The proposed bill, titled the "Montana Agricultural Equipment Repair Bill of Rights Act," aims to enhance the rights of owners and independent repair providers regarding the maintenance and repair of agricultural equipment. It establishes obligations for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to provide documentation, parts, and tools necessary for repairs on fair and reasonable terms. The bill defines key terms such as "agricultural equipment," "authorized repair provider," and "independent repair provider," and outlines the conditions under which OEMs must make these resources available. Additionally, it prohibits OEMs from using mechanisms like parts pairing to restrict repairs or impose unnecessary conditions on the availability of parts and documentation.
The bill also includes provisions that protect trade secrets while ensuring that OEMs cannot limit access to necessary repair tools and information. It specifies that OEMs are not liable for damages caused by independent repair providers during repairs, except in cases of design or manufacturing defects. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and includes a contingent termination clause that would repeal the act if federal legislation establishing a right to repair agricultural equipment is enacted. Overall, the bill seeks to empower agricultural equipment owners and promote fair competition in the repair market.