Right to Repair Act continues to gain support

Nov. 18, 2005

Congressional support for the Motor Vehicle Owners’' Right to Repair Act (H.R. 2048) has reached 70 sponsors.

"In the first 15 days of November, we have had a positive hearing for the bill before the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection of the House Energy and Commerce Committee; and have added eight legislators as co-sponsors to the Right to Repair Act," said Kathleen Schmatz, CEO and president of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

"There is no denying that recent events on Capitol Hill are demonstrating the growing momentum for passage of the legislation by Congress. The new sponsors clearly realize that competition in the vehicle aftermarket is key to preserving the right of consumers to choose where they have their vehicle repaired. AAIA and the coalition of over 40 national and state aftermarket groups are committed to continuing the effort of building support for the legislation in Congress."

The Right to Repair Act, which was introduced by Reps. Joe Barton, (R-Tex.), Edolphus Towns (D-N.Y.) and Darrel Issa (R-Calif.), would require the car companies to make the same service information and tools capabilities available to independents that they provide their franchised dealer networks.

Architects of the Right to Repair Act added new language this year to clarify that car company trade secrets are protected unless that information is provided to the franchised new car dealer. The new language also clarifies the responsibilities of the Federal Trade Commission in enforcing the bill's requirements.

For more information about the Right to Repair Act, visit www.RightToRepair.org.