Missouri House Bill HB2402

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 2/10/22

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, HB2402 would significantly change the existing landscape of consumer rights and repair provider access in Missouri. By mandating that manufacturers offer repair information to a broader audience, it aims to facilitate better maintenance of products, potentially extending their lifespan and reducing costs for consumers. The bill is seen as a move towards leveling the playing field between consumers, independent repair businesses, and manufacturers who often hold proprietary information. However, the bill explicitly notes that it would not require manufacturers to disclose trade secrets, safeguarding their competitive interests while still promoting consumer access to necessary information.

Summary

House Bill 2402 seeks to amend Missouri's chapter 407 by creating new provisions aimed at enhancing the rights of consumers and independent repair providers concerning access to repair information for certain products. This bill is particularly targeted towards products that utilize embedded digital electronics such as farm, construction, and forestry machinery. One of its core objectives is to ensure that owners of these products, as well as independent service providers, have the right to obtain diagnostic and repair information that manufacturers typically provide to authorized repair providers only. This information includes technical updates, firmware corrections, and necessary documentation needed for effective product maintenance and repair.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB2402 include concerns from manufacturers about the potential implications on their intellectual property rights and the feasibility of providing extensive data to the public. Critics argue that the requirement to share repair information might lead to security risks and could undermine the proprietary technologies that manufacturers invest in. Supporters, however, advocate for consumer rights, emphasizing that access to repair information is essential for addressing issues of inefficiency, sustainability, and consumer empowerment in a market that often pushes for planned obsolescence.