Auto Care Association State Government Affairs Update: March 13, 2025

what's moving?

• Bills on Electronic and Appliance Product Repairs; Regulations:

  • TX SB 1429 was referred to Senate committee on Mar. 6, 2025. The legislation mandates the use of original equipment for vehicle repairs under insurance policies for newer vehicles unless opted otherwise, prohibits insurers from limiting repair choices, and sets new disclosure requirements, effective for policies from January 1, 2026.

  • MO HB42 was referred to committee on Mar. 11, 2025. The legislation amends Missouri law to regulate transactions involving scrap metal and detached catalytic converters, requiring detailed record-keeping, setting penalties for violations, and outlining specific transaction conditions and exceptions.

  • OR HB 3512 had a hearing scheduled on Mar. 13, 2025. The legislation prohibits the sale of products containing PFAS in Oregon, mandates compliance certification from manufacturers, and authorizes penalties for violations, with full implementation by January 1, 2027, and amendments effective January 1, 2028.

  • NV AB 407 was referred to committee on Mar. 13, 2025. The legislation requires OEMs to provide repair resources for certain products, with exemptions and liability protections, effective January 1, 2026.

  • HI SB 1120 was reported by committee on Mar. 13, 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.

  • TX HB 4555 was filed on Mar. 12, 2025. The legislation ensures vehicle owners in Texas have the right to access their vehicle's data and repair information without manufacturer-imposed barriers, with enforcement starting September 1, 2025.

  • RI HB 6053 was referred to House committee on Mar. 12, 2025. The legislation revises the "Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act" to increase the threshold for declaring a vehicle a total loss to 85% of its fair market value and mandates insurer compensation for certain repair procedures, among other provisions, effective upon passage.

     

• Bills on Right to Repair and Equipment:

  • IL HB 3677 was referred to House committee on Mar. 11, 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.

  • NY S.5771 was reported by committee on Mar. 11, 2025. The legislation mandates that agricultural equipment manufacturers provide repair documentation, parts, and tools to independent repair providers and owners, ensuring fair access and prohibiting restrictive practices, with enforcement by the Attorney General.

  • RI HB 5017 had a hearing scheduled for Mar. 13, 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.

  • WV SB 737 was referred to Senate committee on Mar. 11, 2025. The West Virginia Farm Equipment Right to Repair Pilot Program seeks to facilitate efficient farm equipment repairs through educational partnerships, enhancing local workforce capabilities without voiding warranties.

  • TX HB 4362 was filed on Mar. 11, 2025. The legislation mandates that manufacturers of electronics-enabled agricultural equipment provide necessary repair resources to owners and independent repair providers, ensuring fair access while protecting trade secrets and compliance with safety and emissions laws, effective September 1, 2025.

  • TN SB 499 was referred to Senate committee on Mar. 11, 2025. The legislation mandates that manufacturers of agricultural equipment provide independent repair providers and owners with access to necessary repair resources, prohibits restrictive practices, and outlines penalties for non-compliance, effective July 1, 2025.

state updates

Forty-six state legislatures are in regular session.

• NBC News featured the growing momentum of the right to repair movement, reporting on recent legislative wins and grassroots repair initiatives. The report explored how repair advocates are empowering consumers by challenging restrictive manufacturer policies. With new laws in six states and debates in 20 others, the movement continues to gain bipartisan support as consumers demand more control over fixing their own products.

• Maryland Del. Dana Stein (D) has introduced a bill to delay penalties tied to the state's electric vehicle sales mandate, pushing enforcement from the 2027 to the 2029 model year. Supporters argue the pause is necessary due to slow EV adoption, insufficient charging infrastructure, and the loss of federal tax credits, while environmental advocates warn it could hinder the state’s clean air and climate goals. The bill passed the House Rules Committee unanimously and now heads to the House Environment and Transportation Committee.

• South Carolina’s gas tax is at its peak, but rising costs and inflation are limiting the state’s ability to fund road projects, according to Transportation Secretary Justin Powell. He urged lawmakers to reconsider the state’s 2017 gas tax law, noting that EV drivers contribute significantly less than gas-powered car owners. With neighboring states imposing higher EV fees, Powell warned that South Carolina must adjust its funding model to keep pace with infrastructure demands and rapid population growth.

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