Committee advances right-to-repair bill for mobility devices with bipartisan support
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Summary
CS/HB 47 would let owners of mobility devices obtain repairs outside manufacturer channels, expand coverage to additional wheelchair types and protect trade secrets; proponents including AARP and disability advocates supported the bill and it passed unanimously in committee.
Representative Eskamani, sponsor of CS for HB 47, said the bill restores a free-market option so owners of mobility devices can obtain timely repairs from independent providers without always relying on manufacturers. She said the bill includes trade-secret protections and liability shields while expanding coverage to additional wheelchair types, including devices used by adults with autism.
"If you are a wheelchair user and it breaks, you should be able to get it fixed without delay," Eskamani said, arguing delays can deny essential mobility.
Public testimony was uniformly supportive. Ronald Watson (Florida Voices of Health) and Karen Murillo (AARP Florida) waived in support. Several committee members from both parties praised the bill’s bipartisan intent and the sponsor’s consistent advocacy for vulnerable constituents. Representative Chambliss described a personal family example illustrating long delays in obtaining wheelchair repairs.
There were no committee amendments. The committee recorded a roll-call vote and reported the bill favorably.