This bill establishes the right to repair farm equipment and lawn mowers by ensuring that independent repair providers and owners have access to the same diagnostic, service, and repair documentation as authorized repair providers. Specifically, manufacturers are required to provide this information at no charge or in the same manner and timeframe as it is made available to authorized providers. Additionally, manufacturers must offer farm equipment, lawn mowers, and service parts for purchase under fair and reasonable terms, although they are not obligated to sell parts that are no longer available. The bill also mandates that manufacturers provide diagnostic repair tools with capabilities equivalent to those available to their own staff.
Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to protect the rights of manufacturers by clarifying that they are not required to disclose trade secrets or non-diagnostic documentation. It also prohibits manufacturers from forcing authorized repair providers to purchase documentation in a proprietary format if a standardized format is available. Violations of the bill's provisions can result in civil penalties of up to $500 per offense. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance competition and consumer choice in the repair market for farm equipment and lawn mowers, addressing the growing challenges faced by consumers in accessing repair services.