Rhode Island House Bill H5017

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/10/25
• Report Pass: 3/13/25
• Engrossed: 3/18/25
• Refer: 3/21/25

Caption

Requires manufacturers of assisting technology devices to make available to independent repair providers/the owner of the device, any documentation/parts, software/other items intended for use with the equipment/parts, including updates to software.

Impact

The bill is poised to significantly impact the relationship between manufacturers and consumers of assistive technology in the state. By mandating that manufacturers make parts and documentation available, the bill seeks to eliminate practices such as parts pairing that restrict repairs to authorized dealers only. This could lead to increased competition among repair service providers and better options for consumers. Furthermore, by establishing penalties for manufacturers that do not comply with these provisions, the bill aims to enforce fair trade practices within the industry.

Summary

House Bill 5017 focuses on the rights of consumers regarding assistive technology devices, primarily wheelchairs and mobility aids. The bill requires manufacturers to provide independent repair providers and device owners with access to necessary parts, documentation, embedded software, and tools required for maintenance and repair. This legislation aims to empower users of assistive technology, ensuring they have fair access to repairs without undue restrictions from manufacturers. Such a provision is vital for enhancing the longevity and functionality of these devices while potentially lowering repair costs for consumers.

Contention

Notably, points of contention around H5017 may emerge regarding the balance between protecting consumer rights and the proprietary interests of manufacturers. Some manufacturers might argue that the requirement to share repair tools and documentation could undermine their business models by enabling third-party repair services without appropriate guidelines. There may also be concerns about the quality of repairs performed by independent providers and the potential impact on consumer safety. Hence, while the bill promotes consumer protection, it may face opposition from those fearing that it could hinder innovation in assistive technology manufacturing.