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Right‑to‑repair clash: dealers and independent shops urge consumer choice, manufacturers warn of existing national frameworks
Summary
HB1429 would require manufacturers to provide parts, tools, diagnostics and telematics access for owner and independent repairs. Independent‑shop and service‑station representatives supported consumer choice and competitive pricing; automakers and equipment manufacturers said national agreements, MOUs and EPA guidance already address access and that the bill poses emissions and safety risks.
Delegate Kevin Hornberger told the committee that HB1429 would enshrine consumer choice by requiring manufacturers to make parts, tools, diagnostic software and telemetry available on fair terms so owners and independent shops can fix vehicles and farm equipment. "If you purchase something, you own it and you should be able to repair it," Hornberger said.
Independent repair and service‑station groups supported the concept as a competition and cost‑savings measure. Kirk McCauley of industry trade groups said dealer repairs can be pricier and independent shops currently cannot always obtain the same diagnostic data and telematics access as dealers; he called the bill a consumer protection measure.
Automakers, dealers and equipment manufacturers opposed HB1429. Josh Fischer of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation said automakers already make repair information available to independent shops under existing national agreements and that 70% of out‑of‑warranty repairs already occur outside dealer networks. "This premise that independents are being locked out is simply wrong," Fischer said. Equipment dealers and associations cautioned that mandating dealer‑level terms for non‑dealer actors could destabilize dealer networks that stock parts and provide service in rural areas. Engine‑technology experts warned that loosening access to emission‑control diagnostics risks tampering and that EPA actions to provide more user flexibility are underway.
The committee received robust testimony from both sides and asked sponsors and industry groups to continue negotiations to ensure owner access while protecting safety, emissions compliance and dealer investments.
