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Committee tables right-to-repair bill for farm equipment after split testimony
Summary
House Bill 813, which would clarify owners’ rights to diagnose and repair emissions-related components on agricultural equipment, drew vocal support from farm and consumer advocates and opposition from equipment dealers and manufacturers. The committee voted to table the bill.
The House Business and Labor Committee tabled House Bill 813 after extended testimony from farmer advocates, dealer representatives and industry groups. The bill would clarify the right of equipment owners and independent repair providers to access documentation, tools and software needed to diagnose and repair emissions-related components of agricultural machinery.
Representative Tom France, sponsor of HB 813, framed the bill as aligning state law with federal standards and agency guidance. "The Environmental Protection Agency believes barriers to the proper repair and maintenance of non road equipment is harmful to the environment," France told the committee, citing federal statements that equipment owners must be able to maintain emission-control systems.
Proponents included representatives of Montana’s Farmers Union and Farm Bureau, farm operators…
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