The proposed bill aims to establish the Equipment Right to Repair Act in West Virginia, which will create a framework for the repair and maintenance of farm equipment. It includes definitions for key terms such as "authorized repair provider," "independent repair provider," and "equipment," and assigns jurisdiction to the Commissioner of Agriculture to oversee the implementation of the act. Manufacturers will be required to provide documentation, parts, and tools necessary for the repair of equipment after the expiration of the warranty, with the stipulation that this obligation will cease 50 years after the equipment's original manufacture date.

Additionally, the bill outlines limitations on the requirements imposed on manufacturers, such as not requiring them to disclose trade secrets or non-diagnostic documentation. It establishes civil penalties for violations, with a minimum fine of $1,000 for each infraction, and allows for injunctive relief to enforce compliance. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will remain in force until July 1, 2028.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 19-40-1, 19-40-2, 19-40-3, 19-40-4, 19-40-5, 19-40-6, 19-40-7, 19-40-8, 19-40-9, 19-40-10
Committee Substitute: 19-40-1, 19-40-2, 19-40-3, 19-40-4, 19-40-5, 19-40-6, 19-40-7, 19-40-8, 19-40-9