House Bill No. [insert bill number] introduces the "Montana Agricultural Equipment Repair Bill of Rights Act," which aims to enhance the rights of owners and independent repair providers regarding agricultural equipment. The bill mandates that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) must provide documentation, parts, and tools necessary for the diagnosis, maintenance, or repair of agricultural equipment on fair and reasonable terms. This includes making these resources available without requiring contracts or account creation, and ensuring that access to parts and tools is not conditioned on excessive obligations. The bill also prohibits OEMs from using software to restrict the functionality of non-manufacturer-approved parts and requires them to provide necessary tools and documentation for deactivating electronic locks during repairs.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific limitations, clarifying that OEMs are not required to disclose trade secrets beyond what is necessary for repairs and are not liable for damages caused by independent repair providers. It also specifies that the act will take effect on January 1, 2026, and will terminate if federal legislation establishing a right to repair agricultural equipment is enacted. The provisions of the bill are intended to be codified as a new part in Title 30, chapter 14 of the Montana Code.