Relative to disclosure notice in the right to repair motor vehicle data law
Impact
The bill's introduction would amend Chapter 93K of the General Laws, which governs the right to repair motor vehicle data. The required notice would educate vehicle owners about their ability to access vehicle data via mobile devices and their right to authorize independent repair facilities to view this data. This change is expected to empower consumers, allowing them to maintain their vehicles without necessarily relying on the manufacturers' service centers, thereby fostering a more competitive repair market.
Summary
House Bill 398 aims to enhance consumer rights concerning the right to repair of motor vehicles by mandating that manufacturers provide detailed disclosure notices. Specifically, the bill seeks to establish a telematics system notice that vehicle manufacturers must include in the owner's manual for new vehicles starting from the 2026 model year. This information is intended to inform vehicle owners about the data collected, stored, and transmitted by telematics systems, thereby promoting transparency and consumer awareness regarding their rights.
Contention
While the bill aims to protect consumer rights and facilitate repairs, it may raise concerns among vehicle manufacturers regarding the implications of disclosing detailed data on telematics systems. Manufacturers might argue that such requirements could compromise proprietary information or subject them to liabilities tied to data security. Nonetheless, proponents of the bill contend that consumer access to this data is essential for fair competition and consumer choice in the automotive repair industry.