The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act, or REPAIR Act, seeks to safeguard consumer choice and foster competition in the motor vehicle repair industry. Recognizing the increasing technological complexity of modern vehicles, the bill aims to prevent motor vehicle manufacturers from monopolizing repair and maintenance services. It asserts that consumers and their chosen repair providers must have access to essential vehicle data, software, diagnostic tools, and alternative parts to ensure competitive pricing and service options. A core provision of the Act prohibits motor vehicle manufacturers from employing any barrier that impairs a motor vehicle owner's or their designee's ability to access vehicle-generated data, critical repair information, tools, and parts. Manufacturers are also forbidden from intentionally implementing software updates to render compatible alternative parts inoperable. Furthermore, the bill mandates that manufacturers provide vehicle-generated data and critical repair resources at a fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory cost to owners and the repair industry, including aftermarket parts manufacturers and diagnostic tool makers. The legislation establishes a "Fair Competition After Vehicles Are Sold Advisory Committee" to provide recommendations on implementing the Act and addressing barriers to competition. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is empowered to enforce the Act, treating violations as unfair or deceptive practices, and is required to establish a mechanism for consumer complaints. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in consultation with NIST, will establish security standards for data access, while the FTC and NHTSA will ensure consumers are notified of their rights under the Act at the point of vehicle purchase or lease. The Act also preempts state laws that mandate specific brands of parts or tools or prohibit the use of alternative parts.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Transportation and Public Works
REPAIR Act
USA119th CongressS-1379| Senate
| Updated: 4/9/2025
The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act, or REPAIR Act, seeks to safeguard consumer choice and foster competition in the motor vehicle repair industry. Recognizing the increasing technological complexity of modern vehicles, the bill aims to prevent motor vehicle manufacturers from monopolizing repair and maintenance services. It asserts that consumers and their chosen repair providers must have access to essential vehicle data, software, diagnostic tools, and alternative parts to ensure competitive pricing and service options. A core provision of the Act prohibits motor vehicle manufacturers from employing any barrier that impairs a motor vehicle owner's or their designee's ability to access vehicle-generated data, critical repair information, tools, and parts. Manufacturers are also forbidden from intentionally implementing software updates to render compatible alternative parts inoperable. Furthermore, the bill mandates that manufacturers provide vehicle-generated data and critical repair resources at a fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory cost to owners and the repair industry, including aftermarket parts manufacturers and diagnostic tool makers. The legislation establishes a "Fair Competition After Vehicles Are Sold Advisory Committee" to provide recommendations on implementing the Act and addressing barriers to competition. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is empowered to enforce the Act, treating violations as unfair or deceptive practices, and is required to establish a mechanism for consumer complaints. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in consultation with NIST, will establish security standards for data access, while the FTC and NHTSA will ensure consumers are notified of their rights under the Act at the point of vehicle purchase or lease. The Act also preempts state laws that mandate specific brands of parts or tools or prohibit the use of alternative parts.