The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is opposing a business mandate that could jeopardize manufacturers’ intellectual property.
Known as a “right to repair” bill, HB 2475 is intended to allow farmers to repair their own farm equipment. The legislation would give owners of products purchased or used in Missouri access to diagnostic and repair information, as well as the ability to purchase repair parts and tools.
At a recent hearing of the House Special Committee on Innovation and Technology, Missouri Chamber Vice President of Governmental Affairs Kara Corches told lawmakers this bill would force private businesses – including agricultural equipment manufacturers and electronics companies – to divulge proprietary technology and information.
“We believe this is a new business mandate that would regulate how businesses operate and what their policies are,” Corches said. “Additionally, we believe this language could have some impact on intellectual property and require companies to disclose information they may not feel comfortable disclosing.”
Corches noted that the manufacturing industry already strongly supports the right for users to repair their own equipment by providing many different resources. However, allowing users the broad ability to modify their machinery could easily lead to violations of federally mandated safety or emissions regulations.
For more information, contact Corches at kcorches@mochamber.com or (573) 634-3511.
