‘Right to Repair Act’ congressional support grows

Bethesda, MD— Congressional support for the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (H.R. 2048) has reached 87 sponsors, it was announced by Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

The new representatives in support of the bill are Reps. Howard Berman (D-CA), Loretta Sanchez (D-CA), John Lewis (D-GA), Martin Sabo (D-MN), Bob Etheridge (D-NC), Harold Ford (D-TN), Collin Peterson (D-MN), Corrine Brown (D-FL) and Jo Ann Davis (R-VA).

The “Right to Repair Act,” which was introduced by Reps. Joe Barton (R-TX), Edolphus Towns (D-NY) and Darrel Issa (R-CA), would require the car companies to make the same service information and tools capabilities available to independents that they provide their franchised dealer networks.

Architects of the “Right to Repair Act” added new language this year to clarify that car company trade secrets are protected unless that information is provided to the franchised new car dealer. The new language also clarifies the responsibilities of the Federal Trade Commission in enforcing the bill’s requirements.

For more information about the “Right to Repair Act” visi www.RightToRepair.org.