The bipartisan proposal would protect consumer choice, help lower vehicle repair costs, and support the aftermarket need for data access
Washington, D.C.—A bipartisan, bicameral bill has been introduced by Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), representing a critical step toward ensuring that consumers can repair their vehicles freely, safely and affordably.
The introduction of the “Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair” (REPAIR) Act follows the bill’s recent reintroduction in the House of Representatives led by Reps. Neal Dunn (R-FL-02) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-03), which already has a growing list of more than 20 bipartisan cosponsors.
Across the country, independent repair shops and other members of the independent aftermarket have urged Congress to pass automotive right to repair legislation. Consumers agree, with 75% of American drivers indicating support for right to repair solutions like the REPAIR Act.
“Big corporations have a history of gatekeeping basic information that belongs to car owners, effectively forcing consumers to pay a fixed price whenever their car is in the shop,” said Senator Hawley. “The bipartisan REPAIR Act would end corporations’ control over diagnostics and service information and give consumers the right to repair their own equipment at a price most feasible for them.”
Currently, independent repair shops, parts manufacturers, and aftermarket service providers across the country are facing growing automaker restrictions that complicate routine repairs and maintenance. As seen in a recent survey, 84% of independent repair shops view data access as a “top issue” facing their businesses.
In a group statement, the Auto Care Association, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, CAR (Consumer Access to Repair) Coalition, Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network (CVSN), Preventative Automotive Maintenance Association (PAMA) and NFIB applauded the REPAIR Act introduction.
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