A Missouri House committee is considering a so-called “right to repair” bill with the intention of helping farmers repair their equipment — but the idea comes attached to a critical flaw that would force private companies to divulge proprietary technology and information.
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is opposing House Bill 2402. The bill would put agricultural equipment manufacturers and dealers in a difficult position. It would threaten their security, intellectual property and warranty agreements — not to mention opening them up to undue liability.
Even without this intrusive legislation, 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.
In addition, manufacturers and dealers have made considerable investments in the development of the technology embedded in their equipment. Those highly competitive secrets would be unmasked by passage of this bill.
If passed, such legislation would disincentivize innovation, research and the development of new products.
The Missouri Chamber is continuing to watch this legislation is it is considered by the Missouri House Committee on Agriculture Policy.
For more information, contact Kara Corches, Missouri Chamber vice president of governmental affairs, at kcorches@mochamber.com.
