REPAIR Act

Bill Number

S. 1379

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-04-09: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Last Updated

2026-02-27T12:03:21Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The REPAIR Act (S. 1379) aims to ensure that owners of motor vehicles—such as cars, trucks, and trailers—have access to data generated by their vehicles, essential repair information, tools, and parts. It promotes consumer choice in maintaining, servicing, and repairing vehicles by preventing manufacturers from restricting access, fostering competition in the repair industry, and balancing concerns like privacy and cybersecurity.

Key Provisions

• Access to Vehicle Data and Repair Resources: Starting 180 days after enactment, motor vehicle manufacturers must provide owners (and their chosen designees, like repair shops) unrestricted access to vehicle-generated data (e.g., diagnostic information from the vehicle's computer systems) via wired ports or wireless telematics systems. This access must be at a fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory cost, with the same security protections given to manufacturers or dealers.
• Prohibition on Barriers: Manufacturers cannot use technological (e.g., software locks) or contractual restrictions that block owners or independent repairers from accessing data, using alternative parts (like aftermarket, recycled, or remanufactured parts), or choosing their own service providers. Software updates cannot intentionally disable compatible parts unless required for safety by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• Availability of Repair Information and Tools: Manufacturers must sell critical repair information (e.g., wiring diagrams, repair procedures, software), tools, and parts to owners, independent repair facilities, parts makers, and tool developers at fair prices, without restrictions.
• No Mandates on Brands: Repair guides and manuals cannot require specific brands of parts or tools (except for recalls or warranties) and must include notices that owners can choose alternatives.
• Advisory Committee: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) must create a committee with representatives from repair shops, parts makers, manufacturers, consumers, insurers, and others to recommend ways to eliminate repair barriers and ensure data control. The committee will report annually to the FTC, which shares findings with Congress.
• Rulemaking Requirements: NHTSA, with input from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, must set security standards for data access within one year. The FTC and NHTSA must require manufacturers and dealers to notify buyers of their rights at purchase within two years.
• Enforcement and Complaints: Violations are treated as unfair practices under FTC rules, allowing fines and investigations. The FTC must set up a complaint system where manufacturers respond within 30 days, and investigations conclude within five months.
• Reporting and Preemption: The FTC reports to Congress biennially on enforcement and industry changes. The Act preempts (overrides) conflicting state laws, such as those mandating specific parts or banning aftermarket options.
• Other Safeguards: Owners can designate multiple designees and revoke access easily; vehicles notify owners when data is accessed. Contracts violating these rules are void. The Act allows proprietary tools if available fairly to all.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces federal mandates on data access and repair rights, building on but expanding existing vehicle safety laws (e.g., under 49 U.S.C. § 30102). It treats restrictions as unfair trade practices under the FTC Act, enabling stronger enforcement than prior voluntary industry standards.
• Explicitly defines and requires access to "vehicle-generated data" and "critical repair information," which were not federally mandated before, addressing gaps in right-to-repair debates.
• Preempts state-level rules on parts usage, standardizing nationwide access and potentially nullifying patchwork state protections.
• Authorizes FTC and NHTSA to expand definitions and promulgate rules, creating ongoing regulatory flexibility not present in current auto repair laws.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: Vehicle owners gain more control over repairs, potentially lowering costs by allowing use of cheaper aftermarket parts and independent shops, reducing reliance on expensive dealer services. It enhances privacy by letting owners choose who accesses data but requires notifications for transparency.
• On Government Agencies: Increases FTC's role in overseeing auto repair competition, including complaint handling and rulemaking, and NHTSA's focus on vehicle security standards. This may require additional resources for investigations and reports.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could influence global auto manufacturers (many foreign-based) operating in the U.S. by standardizing repair access, potentially affecting trade in parts and tools without altering international agreements.
• Broader Effects: Promotes innovation in repair tech and parts, but manufacturers may face higher compliance costs, possibly passed to consumers initially.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Consumers and Vehicle Owners: Benefit from choices in repairs and data control, including lessees but excluding manufacturers or dealers acting on their behalf.
• Independent Repair Facilities and Service Providers: Gain access to data, tools, and parts, enabling competition with authorized dealers.
• Parts and Tool Manufacturers: Aftermarket, recycled, remanufactured, and diagnostic tool makers can produce and sell compatible items without barriers.
• Motor Vehicle Manufacturers and Dealers: Face restrictions on proprietary controls, requiring them to share resources fairly; authorized providers may see reduced exclusivity.
• Insurers and Salvage Operators: Can use alternative parts for repairs, potentially reducing claim costs; junk and salvage yards benefit from recycled parts access.
• Government Entities: FTC enforces rules; NHTSA sets standards; advisory committee includes industry reps for collaboration.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Enforces via FTC's existing powers (e.g., fines up to $50,120 per violation under the FTC Act), with appeals to federal court. Preemption clause ensures uniform national standards, avoiding state-by-state conflicts, but could face challenges if seen as overreaching federal commerce authority.
• Constitutional: Aligns with interstate commerce regulation under the Commerce Clause, as vehicles and parts cross state lines. Balances property rights (owner control over data) with manufacturer intellectual property, allowing security measures without mandating open-source tech.
• Political: Bipartisan support (introduced by Sens. Lujan and Hawley) highlights consumer protection and antitrust themes, potentially pressuring big automakers amid right-to-repair movements. Advisory committee fosters industry input, reducing litigation risks, but biennial reports could spur future amendments. Severability ensures the law survives partial invalidation.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]

Cosponsors (8)

Sen. Hawley, Josh [R-MO], Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN]

Recent Actions

• 2025-04-09: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
• 2025-04-09: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act — issued 2025-04-09 — PDF (26 pages)