Missouri House Bill HB2141

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 5/13/22

Caption

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

Impact

The implications of HB 2141 are far-reaching for both consumers and manufacturers. By mandating that manufacturers make repair information and service parts available to both independent repair providers and product owners, the bill aims to enhance consumer rights and enable a more competitive repair market. This is expected to benefit consumers financially, as they are no longer limited to manufacturer-authorized repair services, which can often be more expensive. The ability to seek repairs outside of manufacturers is critical in addressing consumer needs and prolonging the life of products.

Summary

House Bill 2141 introduces significant amendments to Chapter 407 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri relating to consumer products and their repair requirements. This bill establishes clear rights for owners of products to access repair information and service parts from manufacturers. Among its key provisions are requirements for manufacturers to provide diagnostic and repair information to independent and authorized repair providers under fair and reasonable terms, ensuring that consumers have greater control over the maintenance and repair of their purchased products.

Contention

Despite its benefits, HB 2141 has faced opposition from various sectors, particularly from manufacturers who argue that such regulations could compromise trade secrets and intellectual property. Opponents of the bill raise concerns that the mandated disclosure of repair information may lead to unauthorized repairs that could affect product safety and reliability. Additionally, there is apprehension regarding the potential financial implications for manufacturers who may need to adjust their business models to comply with the transparency requirements established by this legislation. The balance between consumer rights and protecting proprietary information is a central point of contention as the bill moves forward.