Bill > HR5857

This bill, known as the Freedom for Agricultural Repair and Maintenance Act (FARM Act), aims to require original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of farm equipment to provide farmers and independent repair providers with access to documentation, parts, software, tools, and equipment data necessary for diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing agricultural machinery. The bill defines key terms such as "farm equipment" (which includes tractors, combines, and other agricultural machinery), "authorized repair provider" (a person licensed by the OEM to offer repair services), and "independent repair provider" (a person not authorized by the OEM but offering repair services). The legislation mandates that OEMs make these resources available on "fair and reasonable terms," which means providing parts, tools, and documentation at reasonable costs without imposing unnecessary restrictions or requiring farmers to become authorized repair providers. The bill also allows for circumventing technological protection measures for repair purposes and addresses copyright concerns. Enforcement would be handled by the Federal Trade Commission, with escalating civil penalties for OEMs who fail to comply, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per day of violation. Importantly, the bill includes limitations to protect trade secrets, ensure safety standards are maintained, and prevent illegal modifications to equipment.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5857/all-info