Auto Care Association Applauds Advancement of REPAIR Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 2, 2023 – Today, the United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce, of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, favorably reported HR 906, the "REPAIR Act," to the full committee for future consideration. After a robust, bipartisan discussion about the importance of this legislation and ideas about how to better protect consumers as well as the independent aftermarket, the REPAIR Act cleared this initial hurdle without objection from any Member of the Subcommittee.

“We are grateful to the Subcommittee for recognizing the intent behind this legislation and agreeing to report the REPAIR Act to the full committee,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “I am grateful to Congressman Neal Dunn, Congressman Brendan Boyle, Congressman Warren Davidson and the only repair shop owner in Congress, Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, along with the other 46 bipartisan cosponsors, for their continued efforts to make the REPAIR Act a reality.”

While more than 70% of after-warranty vehicle repairs occur at independent repair shops, vehicle technology advancements are threatening to shut out these businesses, eliminating consumer choice and price competitiveness in the marketplace. The REPAIR Act provides independent repair shops with the rights to critical vehicle diagnostic and repair data, authorized by the vehicle owner, without restrictions imposed by the manufacturers. This bipartisan legislation preserves access to high quality and affordable vehicle repairs as motor vehicle technology advances, ensuring that consumers and commercial fleet owners and their repairers of choice have equal access to repair and maintenance data.

“While today’s action is a testament to the hard work of our industry’s advocacy of preserving safe, affordable, and accessible vehicle repair, it is also just the beginning of the legislative process,” continued Hanvey. “As this fight now moves to the full Committee on Energy and Commerce, I encourage our members to remain diligent with outreach to elected officials to ensure they know that your business depends on the REPAIR Act becoming law.”

Visit repairact.com to learn more about the legislation and how you can help.