Wisconsin Considers Right to Repair Legislation

Consumer advocates across the United States are celebrating a significant milestone as Wisconsin becomes the final state to propose a Right to Repair law. This legislative movement aims to empower device owners by ensuring they have the authority to repair their own equipment without interference from manufacturers.

The Right to Repair concept advocates for the accessibility of repair manuals, parts, and tools at reasonable prices for both consumers and independent repair shops. This initiative has gained traction across various states, with numerous proposals currently under review in over half of the U.S. states. The recent proposals in New Mexico and Wisconsin mark a notable expansion of this movement.

In Wisconsin, the proposed bill, championed by Democratic lawmakers, is a landmark effort, as it signifies that all 50 states now have at least one legislative proposal or public vote concerning the Right to Repair. However, the manufacturers' lobby remains a formidable opponent. In many states where Right to Repair bills have been voted on, the manufacturers have successfully thwarted efforts to enhance consumer rights, often arguing that better access to repair information could compromise safety.

Despite these challenges, states such as Colorado, California, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, and Oregon have enacted laws that bolster the Right to Repair. These successes serve to inspire legislators in other states to consider similar initiatives, according to Repair.org, which provides the framework for many of these proposals.

The details of Right to Repair legislation vary widely from state to state. For instance, Maine and Massachusetts have specific laws that grant the right to repair vehicles. A recent ruling by a U.S. district court affirmed the legality of such measures.

The Wisconsin proposal currently focuses exclusively on agricultural equipment, including provisions that exempt manufacturers from liability for damages resulting from self-repairs. It also sets minimum pricing guidelines to ensure that manufacturers can justify their costs, particularly for low-cost items, and includes exceptions for older equipment.

For nearly four years, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has urged Congress to implement stricter regulations regarding repair rights, but no significant action has been taken thus far.

On the federal level, new attempts are underway. In December, a bipartisan proposal for a federal Right to Repair law was introduced, focusing on enabling military personnel to repair their own equipment, which is often restricted under current contracts. This limitation can lead to excessive costs and delays, hindering operational effectiveness.

Additionally, a new bipartisan proposal in the House aims to establish the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act, which would stipulate that data generated by vehicles belongs to the owner rather than the manufacturer. This proposal seeks to ensure that both vehicle owners and independent repair shops have access to crucial data and repair tools.

In response to the growing support for the Right to Repair movement, the automotive industry has adjusted its strategy. A trade association, misleadingly named the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, has introduced its own legislation, the Safety as First Emphasis (SAFE) Repair Act, which emphasizes regular safety checks and disclosure requirements for used vehicle sales. However, details about this proposal have not yet been disclosed publicly.