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132nd MAINE LEGISLATURE
FIRST SPECIAL SESSION-2025
Legislative Document No. 1468H.P. 960 House of Representatives, April 3, 2025
An Act to Establish Standards for Independent Motor Vehicle
Repair Facilities in Maine
(EMERGENCY)
Reference to the Committee on Transportation suggested and ordered printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative COLLAMORE of Pittsfield.
Cosponsored by Representatives: QUINT of Hodgdon, ROBERTS of South Berwick. Page 1 - 132LR2052(01)1 acts and resolves of the Legislature do not
2 become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
3 the automotive repair industry is increasingly reliant on advanced
4 technologies and original equipment manufacturer standards to ensure motor vehicles are
5 repaired safely and efficiently; and
6 independent motor vehicle repair shops must be aligned with original
7 equipment manufacturer repairer standards to maintain safety, reliability and consumer
8 trust; and
9 a lack of standardized training and certification may lead to inconsistent
10 repair practices, which could undermine vehicle performance, safety systems and warranty
11 compliance; and
12 in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within
13 the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as
14 immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now,
15 therefore,
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17 is enacted to read:
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19 repair technician to be current with advancements in motor vehicle technology and repair
20 methods.
21 is enacted to read:
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23 facility" means a repair facility that is not affiliated with a motor vehicle manufacturer or
24 motor vehicle manufacturer's authorized dealer and includes a motor vehicle
25 manufacturer's authorized dealer or other entity within the motor vehicle manufacturer's
26 certified repair network if the dealer or other entity is engaged in repair of a motor vehicle
27 that is not affiliated with the motor vehicle manufacturer.
28 is enacted to read:
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30 a manufacturer of a motor vehicle part or other motor vehicle equipment that is used by
31 another company or entity that integrates the part or equipment in the other company's or
32 entity's product.
33 is enacted to read:
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35 manufacturer repair facility" means an independent motor vehicle repair facility authorized
36 by an original equipment manufacturer to perform repairs in compliance with original
37 equipment manufacturer standards.
38 is enacted to read:
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40 manufacturer standards" means specifications, protocols and requirements established by Page 2 - 132LR2052(01)
41 a motor vehicle manufacturer for the repair and maintenance of a motor vehicle
42 manufactured by the motor vehicle manufacturer.
3 is enacted to read:
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5 nationally recognized organization dedicated to automotive service excellence or an
6 interindustry conference on automobile collision repair verifying a motor vehicle
7 technician's proficiency in performing repairs to original equipment manufacturer
8 standards or an original equipment manufacturer-specific certification by a motor vehicle
9 manufacturer.
10 is enacted to read:
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13 An original equipment manufacturer
14 repair facility shall:
15 A. Meet minimum equipment and infrastructure requirements under original
16 equipment manufacturer standards, including:
17 (1) Diagnostic tools and software;
18 (2) Welding and structural repair equipment; and
19 (3) A climate-controlled paint booth and refinishing system compliant with
20 environmental laws, rules and regulations;
21 B. Ensure all motor vehicle technicians of the original equipment manufacturer repair
22 facility have received a technician certification; and
23 C. Ensure all motor vehicle technicians of the original equipment manufacturer repair
24 facility participate in ongoing training in original equipment manufacturer-approved
25 programs and continuing education, including:
26 (1) Annual training by a nationally recognized interindustry conference on
27 automobile collision repair;
28 (2) Updates on advanced driver assistance system repairs; and
29 (3) If the original equipment manufacturer repair facility repairs an electric vehicle,
30 electric vehicle-specific repair.
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32 annually with the Secretary of State and demonstrate compliance with subsection 1.
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34 publicly accessible website, a registry of all registrants under subsection 2.
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36 and audits of original equipment manufacturer repair facilities to ensure compliance with
37 this section and respond to a complaint about an original equipment manufacturer repair
38 facility by a member of the public.
39A person in violation of this section is subject to:
40 A. A penalty of up to $5,000 per violation;
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1 B. An order by the Secretary of State for mandatory corrective action and a timeline
2 for compliance; and
3 C. Revocation of registration for repeated violations.
4 The Secretary of State shall establish an appeals process for a person subject to a penalty
5 or finding of noncompliance under this subsection.
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7 section. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules under Title 5,
8 chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
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10 By January 1, 2026, the Secretary of State, in
11 consultation with stakeholders and other interested parties, shall adopt rules under the
12 Maine Revised Statutes, Title 29-A, section 1812, subsection 6, including:
13 1. Defining acceptable certifications and training programs;
14 2. Establishing clear criteria for facility audits and inspections; and
15 3. Developing an appeals process for a facility contesting a penalty or finding of
16 noncompliance.
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18 takes effect when approved.
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20 This bill establishes a registration process and mandatory standards for original
21 equipment manufacturer repair facilities, which are independent motor vehicle repair
22 facilities authorized to perform repairs by an original equipment manufacturer, aligning
23 those standards with original equipment manufacturer certifications, repairs, equipment
24 and infrastructure and training and continuing education. The bill requires the Secretary of
25 State to administer the registration process and enforce compliance with the provisions of
26 this bill.
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