Auto Care Association State Government Affairs Update: March 28, 2025

what's moving?

• Bills on Electronic and Appliance Product Repairs; Regulations:

  • HI SB 1120 was reported favorably by committee on Mar. 27, 2025. The legislation mandates the establishment of a clean fuel standard in Hawaii to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions, with a feasibility study due by 2027 and implementation rules by 2028, aiming for significant carbon intensity reductions by 2045.

  • NM HB 212 was passed by the Senate on Mar. 20, 2025. The bill would regulate and phase out products containing PFAS in New Mexico, with specific timelines for prohibitions, mandatory disclosures, and penalties for noncompliance.

  • MO HB 799 had its second reading in the second chamber on Mar. 24, 2025. The legislation updates Missouri's motor vehicle laws by enhancing privacy protections, revising registration and inspection requirements, and introducing voluntary donation options for vehicle registration applicants.

  • RI HB 6053 was recommended for further study by committee on Mar. 25, 2025. The legislation amends the "Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act" to increase the threshold for designating a vehicle as a total loss to eighty-five percent of its fair market value and mandates compensation for repair procedures recommended by OEM or industry programs, among other consumer protection measures.

  • NH HB 649 was scheduled for a hearing on April 1, 2025. The legislation removes the requirement for vehicle safety inspections and diagnostic tests, eliminates funding for the motor vehicle air pollution abatement fund, and is expected to significantly reduce state revenue and municipal funding starting January 1, 2026.

  • CA AB 872 was referred to Assembly committee on Mar. 25, 2025. The bill intends to empower the Department of Toxic Substances Control to regulate nonessential consumer products, prioritize actions based on risk, and coordinate with the EPA, without specifying funding or deadlines.

  • UT SB 133 was signed by the governor on Mar. 26, 2025. The legislation establishes a new criminal offense for metal and catalytic converter theft, mandates transaction documentation, amends existing laws, and outlines civil liabilities for parents of minors involved in theft, with an effective date of July 1, 2025, and no new funding allocated.

  • CA AB 1325 was referred to Assembly committee on Mar. 25, 2025. The bill amends the California Coastal Act of 1976 to ensure the protection and potential upgrading of commercial fishing and recreational boating facilities, with non-substantive changes emphasizing non-interference with commercial fishing needs.

     

• Bills on Right to Repair and Equipment:

  • MN HB 2519 was referred to House committee on Mar. 20, 2025. The bill adds motorcycles to the Digital Fair Repair Act.

  • TX HB 2963 was referred to House committee on Mar. 20, 2025. The Right to Repair Act mandates that electronic manufacturers provide repair resources to consumers and independent repair providers, with penalties for non-compliance, and is effective from October 1, 2025.

  • WI SB 148 was referred to Senate committee on March 21, 2025. The bill pertains to right to repair for agricultural equipment.

  • IL SB 122 was referred to Senate committee on Mar. 21, 2025. The Right to Repair Act requires manufacturers to provide repair resources for electronic and appliance products, with specific terms and liability protections, effective July 1, 2026.

  • IL HB 1909 was referred to House committee on Mar. 21, 2025. The Agricultural Equipment Repair Bill of Rights Act requires manufacturers to provide independent repair providers and owners with access to necessary repair resources for agricultural equipment, while ensuring fair terms and protecting trade secrets, without altering existing contracts or allowing illegal modifications.

  • Maine LD 1228 was referred to committee on Mar. 25, 2025. The bill clarifies and amends automotive right to repair laws, ensuring standardized access to vehicle diagnostic systems and repair information for owners and independent repair facilities, while narrowing the scope of applicable vehicles.

  • VT H.319 had its first reading in the second chamber on Mar. 27, 2025. The bill would extend by a year the date by which an assessment of the end-of-life management of certain battery types shall be conducted and requires the battery stewardship organization in the State to complete the assessment instead of the Agency of Natural Resources.

  • IL HB 3677 had its second reading on Mar. 26, 2025. The Complex Wheelchair Right to Repair Act requires manufacturers to provide repair resources for complex wheelchairs and amends insurance and public aid codes to facilitate repairs and ensure health benefits, effective January 1, 2026.

  • RI HB 5017 was referred to Senate committee on Mar. 21, 2025. The legislation mandates that manufacturers of assistive technology devices, such as wheelchairs and scooters, provide necessary repair resources to independent providers and owners, prohibits restrictive practices, and classifies violations as deceptive trade practices, effective immediately upon passage.

     

• Bills on Education and Workforce

  • WV SB 737 was referred to Senate committee on Mar. 25, 2025. The West Virginia Farm Equipment Right to Repair Pilot Program aims to facilitate efficient farm equipment repairs through educational partnerships, enhancing local workforce capabilities without voiding warranties.

  • TX HB 3651 was referred to House committee on Mar. 25, 2025. The legislation allows Texas high schools to offer an elective course on automobile maintenance starting in the 2025-2026 school year, covering practical vehicle maintenance skills and safe working practices.

state updates

Forty-five state legislatures are in regular session. Maine is in special session.

• Rhode Island lawmakers are considering three bills that could reshape the collision repair and insurance industries. Proposals include raising the damage threshold for licensed appraisals, redefining how fair market value is calculated for insurance claims, and increasing the total loss threshold from 75% to 85% of a vehicle’s value. All three bills were held for further study by the House Corporations Committee this week.

• Florida lawmakers are weighing several right to repair legislation that would require manufacturers to provide consumers and independent repair shops with the parts, tools, and manuals needed to fix devices. Supporters say the bills would make repairs faster and cheaper.

• Virginia is poised to become the first state to let judges order reckless drivers to install speed-limiting devices on their vehicles instead of suspending their licenses or sentencing them to jail. The new law is set to take effect in July 2026, and aims to curb deadly speeding by using tech that makes it impossible to exceed posted limits. Advocates say it's a smart alternative that could change driver behavior without cutting off access to work or essential errands.

Questions about state legislation? Email tod.moore@autocare.org.