While there continues to be opposition from automaker aligned groups to Right to Repair initiatives in the U.S., recent developments have seen support there go from strength to strength.

Most recently, as part of state elections in Maine November 7, a Right to Repair ballot question, the “Vehicle Data Access Requirement Initiative” received overwhelming support from voters, with more than 84% voting “yes” in support.  

“The result of last night’s election in Maine proved another victory for the American consumer and the right to repair movement that is gaining support across the United States,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “The right to repair is one of a few unifying issues our nation faces, and whether we achieve repair access chamber by chamber or state by state, I am confident that every American will soon have the fundamental right to repair what belongs to them. Right to repair isn’t going away and this victory demonstrates that it’s an issue that needs to be resolved.” 

And just days ago, the federal REPAIR Act bill crossed a significant hurdle when the United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce, of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, favorably reported HR 906, the “REPAIR Act,” to the full committee for future consideration. After a robust, bipartisan discussion about the importance of this legislation and ideas about how to better protect consumers as well as the independent aftermarket, the REPAIR Act cleared this initial hurdle without objection from any Member of the Subcommittee.

“We are grateful to the Subcommittee for recognizing the intent behind this legislation and agreeing to report the REPAIR Act to the full committee,” said Bill Hanvey. “I am grateful to Congressman Neal Dunn, Congressman Brendan Boyle, Congressman Warren Davidson and the only repair shop owner in Congress, Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, along with the other 46 bipartisan cosponsors, for their continued efforts to make the REPAIR Act a reality.”

In Canada, good news too

In Canada, Right to Repair was recently enshrined in law in Quebec, while a bill that will form a foundation for Right to Repair through amendments to the Copyright Act, was passed by the House of Commons and advanced to the Senate.

In both cases, Canadian industry representatives have urged aftermarket professionals to continue advocacy to ensure this early promise is not stalled through process, ineffective regulation, or lack of enforcement mechanisms.

Similar warnings are highlighted in the U.S. regarding the REPAIR Act.

“While today’s action is a testament to the hard work of our industry’s advocacy of preserving safe, affordable, and accessible vehicle repair, it is also just the beginning of the legislative process,” says Hanvey. “As this fight now moves to the full Committee on Energy and Commerce, I encourage our members to remain diligent with outreach to elected officials to ensure they know that your business depends on the REPAIR Act becoming law.”

For more information on U.S. developments, visit AutoCare.org

For Right to Repair updates in Canada, visit RightToRepair.ca