Democrats Introduce “Right to Repair” Bills

US lawmakers are introducing “Right to Repair” legislation this week to ensure consumers can get vehicles, electronic devices, and agriculture equipment serviced by independent outlets, reported Reuters.

Representative Bobby Rush, a Democrat, said Thursday, February 3, he had introduced legislation to ensure vehicle owners and independent repair shops have equal access to repair and maintenance tools as automakers’ dealerships.

Representatives Mondaire Jones, a Democrat, and Republican Victoria Spartz introduced separate legislation Wednesday dubbed the Freedom to Repair Act to reform copyright law to make it easier for consumers to get repairs.

Public Knowledge Policy Counsel Kathleen Burke said the bill would allow “consumers to repair their own devices without needing to get the Copyright Office’s permission every three years.”

As part of a wide-ranging initiative to boost competition, President Joe Biden has made ensuring people can repair their own products a priority.

Last month, Biden said in too many cases “if you own a product, from a smartphone to a tractor, you don’t have the freedom to choose how or where to repair that item you purchased.”

Rush’s bill would require all tools and equipment, wireless transmission of repair and diagnostic data and access to on-board diagnostic systems needed for repairs be made available to the independent repair industry.

Rush said it would “end manufacturers’ monopoly on vehicle repair and maintenance and allow Americans the freedom to choose where to repair their vehicles.”

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