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Committee backs motorized-wheelchair "right to repair" bill to expand repair access and reduce wait times
Summary
SB 412 would require manufacturers of motorized wheelchairs to make repair manuals, diagnostic tools and parts available to owners and independent repair providers under fair terms. Supporters said the bill would reduce long repair waits and restore mobility; advocates urged additional measures to incentivize independent repair and protect low‑
The Commerce and Tourism Committee reported Senate Bill 412 favorably after hearing testimony from disability advocates and power-chair users who described long delays and safety risks when repairs are limited to an exclusive dealer or manufacturer-approved provider.
Sponsor Senator Smith said SB 412 "ensures competition in the powered wheelchair repair market and gives consumers choices for timely and affordable repairs." The bill would require manufacturers to make repair manuals, diagnostic tools and parts available to motorized wheelchair owners and independent repair providers under fair and reasonable terms and would be enforceable under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
Advocates described lengthy and risky delays. Laura Lee Minutello, public-policy analyst at Disability Rights Florida and a power-chair user, said parts and repairs can take months in some markets and described a case in which a user waited six months for a simple seat-belt repair. "For those of us that are power chair users, this bill is an essential one," she told the committee. Another user, JJ Holmes, recounted frequent breakdowns and urged lawmakers to support the measure.
Disability Rights Florida also urged the legislature to consider incentives and pilot programs used in other states to increase the supply of independent repair providers and to ensure accountability for larger or costlier repairs. The group noted the bill increases consumer choice but does not by itself guarantee that independent repair providers will be available in all markets.
Committee outcome and data cited: The sponsor cited a 2022 PIRG survey included in the staff analysis showing 93 percent of respondents needed at least one repair in the last year and 62 percent said average repairs took four or more weeks; 40 percent estimated seven or more weeks. The committee voted to report SB 412 favorably.
Ending: Supporters said the bill will broaden repair options, reduce delays and lower costs for vulnerable consumers; advocates asked sponsors to consider additional incentives and accountability measures during later stages of the legislative process.
