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Committee advances bill to require OEMs of electric wheelchairs to make repair parts and tools available
Summary
Senate Bill 550, which would require original equipment manufacturers of electric wheelchairs and complex rehabilitation technology to make diagnostic tools, parts and other items available to owners and independent repair providers on fair and reasonable terms, was moved to the Senate floor with a due-pass recommendation.
Salem — The Senate Energy and Environment Committee advanced Senate Bill 550 to the floor on Feb. 10 after a brief work session.
A staff summary explained SB 550 would require original equipment manufacturers of electric wheelchairs and complex rehabilitation technology to make tools, parts and other implements available to authorized service providers, owners and independent repair providers on fair and reasonable terms so that consumers can obtain repairs and maintenance. Committee staff noted the measure had no revenue impact and only a minimal fiscal effect.
Vice Chair Brock Smith moved SB 550 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation; the motion carried. Senator Betsy Johnson Robinson said she would support the bill but expressed concern about potential unintended consequences and long-term effects in a market she described as "highly regulated" and concentrated among a small number of manufacturers. "I've worried about this...what it'll look like 4 years from now, but we'll find out. I'll be a yes," Robinson said.
The committee closed the work session and will transmit the bill to the Senate floor with the committee's recommendation.
