The proposed bill, H.161, known as the Vermont Fair Repair Act, aims to enhance consumer protection by requiring original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of agricultural, electronic, and forestry equipment to provide independent repair providers and equipment owners with access to necessary parts, tools, and documentation for repairs. The bill emphasizes the importance of equitable access to these resources to ensure timely and effective repairs, thereby promoting safety and sustainability. Key provisions include the obligation for OEMs to make available any electronic security tools needed for repairs and to avoid imposing unreasonable costs or burdens on independent repair providers.

Additionally, the bill outlines definitions for various terms related to the equipment and repair processes, establishes the responsibilities of OEMs, and clarifies the limitations of the act, such as not requiring the disclosure of trade secrets. It also specifies that the act does not apply to motor vehicle manufacturers or medical device manufacturers under certain federal laws. The Attorney General is granted enforcement authority to address violations of the act, which is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.