Missouri House Bill HB217

Missouri 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/23
• Refer: 5/12/23

Caption

Changes the laws regarding consumer products so that certain individuals and businesses have a right to repair information from certain manufacturers

Impact

If passed, HB217 would significantly amend the existing repair landscape by compelling manufacturers to disclose repair information that has traditionally been kept proprietary. The bill outlines provisions for fair and reasonable access to service parts, preventing manufacturers from restricting the availability of this information. Enforcement will be overseen by the Attorney General, with stipulated penalties for non-compliance aimed at protecting consumer interest and supporting independent repair ecosystems.

Summary

House Bill 217 (HB217) aims to enhance the rights of consumers and independent repair providers by ensuring access to necessary diagnostics, documentation, and service parts from manufacturers. The legislation mandates that owners of products purchased or used within the state are entitled to the same access to repair information and service materials as manufacturers provide to authorized repair providers. This includes technical updates, diagnostic software, access passwords, and firmware for effective product maintenance and repair.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB217 generally leans toward supporting consumer empowerment and fostering competition within the repair industry. Proponents argue that the bill would promote sustainability by enabling individuals and businesses to repair their products rather than discard them, thus reducing waste. However, there are concerns among some manufacturers regarding the confidentiality of trade secrets and the potential implications of mandated disclosure on their business models.

Contention

Key points of contention include the balance of providing sufficient access to repair materials without compromising manufacturers' intellectual property rights. Critics argue that requiring manufacturers to share proprietary information and tools could weaken their competitive advantage and potentially harm innovation in product development. Furthermore, there is a debate over what constitutes 'fair and reasonable terms' when pricing parts and services, adding another layer of complexity to the legislation's implementation.