The proposed bill introduces the Agricultural Right to Repair Act, which aims to enhance farmers' ability to repair their agricultural equipment by mandating that manufacturers provide owners and independent repair providers with access to necessary documentation, parts, and tools on fair and reasonable terms. This includes making available any updates to information required for the diagnosis, maintenance, or repair of agricultural equipment. The bill defines key terms such as "agricultural equipment," "owner," "independent repair provider," and "original equipment manufacturer," and outlines the obligations of manufacturers to ensure that these resources are accessible without imposing unreasonable restrictions or costs.

Additionally, the bill establishes enforcement mechanisms through the Attorney General, categorizing violations as unlawful practices under the West Virginia Unfair Trade Practices Act. It clarifies that manufacturers are not required to disclose trade secrets and protects them from liability for damages caused during repairs by independent providers. The provisions of the bill will apply to equipment sold or in use after its effective date of July 1, 2025. Overall, the legislation seeks to promote competition and repair choice in the agricultural sector, ultimately benefiting farmers and independent repair businesses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 19-39-1, 19-39-2, 19-39-3, 19-39-4, 19-39-5, 19-39-6, 19-39-7