Various state and federal versions of the Right to Repair law have been batted around since 2004, with no clear winner in sight. The latest shot has been fired in New Jersey, where the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee gave a favorable report on Assembly Bill No. 931 to the Legislature for the 2006-2007 session.
In short, the bill directs auto manufacturers to make available to the public any and all information that a car owner might find useful in the repair and maintenance of his or her car. According to the report, “The information is to include information [sic] necessary to integrate replacement equipment into the vehicle and any other information of any kind used to diagnose, service, repair, activate, certify or install any motor vehicle equipment in a motor vehicle.”
The major objection has long been that it could force manufacturers to turn over information that could jeopardize their patents, trade secrets or other intellectual property. The New Jersey bill would require this material to be screened by the state, if needed, to verify the validity of any such claim.
Manufacturers have a vocal campaign in opposition, while on the other side, the aftermarket and service industries are equally vocal in support. Hemmings has long supported the legislation, which could have a profound effect on hobbyists’ ability to work on their cars when, in the fullness of time, today’s cars become collectible.
Texas Rep. Joe Barton’s U.S. House version, H.R.2048, stalled in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce last spring; the 109th Congress should take it up again in early 2007…stay tuned, sports fans.
(This post originally appeared in the December 21, 2006, issue of the Hemmings eWeekly Newsletter.)