Bill > S3117

This bill, titled the "Agricultural Equipment Right to Repair Act," mandates that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of electronics-enabled agricultural equipment, which includes modern farm machinery reliant on digital electronics, must provide independent repair providers and equipment owners with necessary repair information, tools, and parts on fair and reasonable terms. This means that businesses not directly affiliated with an OEM, but which service or repair this specialized farm equipment, will have access to the same resources as authorized repair providers, ensuring that repairs are not unduly hindered by proprietary restrictions. The bill defines key terms like "electronics-enabled agricultural equipment" to clarify its scope, and "fair and reasonable terms" to prevent OEMs from imposing unreasonable costs or burdens on independent repairers. Importantly, this act does not require OEMs to reveal trade secrets beyond what's necessary for repair, nor does it alter existing warranty or recall agreements, though any clauses attempting to circumvent these new repair rights are void. Violations can lead to civil lawsuits for damages and attorney fees, and the Attorney General can seek injunctions to enforce the law, with a three-year statute of limitations for actions. This legislation aims to foster competition and reduce repair costs for farmers by ensuring access to the resources needed to maintain and fix their complex agricultural machinery.

Justice

https://status.rilegislature.gov/