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 that repairs can be performed in a safe, reliable, and sustainable manner. 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 repair process, such as "independent repair provider," "documentation," and "embedded software." It also specifies that OEMs are not required to disclose trade secrets and establishes that they cannot be held liable for negligent repairs performed by independent providers, provided that the damage was not caused by defective parts supplied by the OEM. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and includes enforcement provisions allowing the Attorney General to address violations as unfair and deceptive acts in trade and commerce.