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SB 97

Equipment Right to Repair Act

2026 Regular Session

SB 97 would require manufacturers to share diagnostic data, manuals, tools, and non-warrantied parts with consumers and independent repairers to extend equipment lifespans.

To Judiciary
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Bill Summary · SB 97

SB 97 (2026) – West Virginia

Title: Equipment Right to Repair Act

Note: The bill text provided appears to be in a corrupted or partially unreadable format. The summary below is based on the bill’s title, status history, and standard elements typical of an “Equipment Right to Repair Act.” If the full, legible text becomes available, please share it for a precise, clause-by-clause summary.

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a legal framework to guarantee the right to repair certain equipment by consumers, independent repair shops, and third-party parts or tools.
  • Aims to reduce repair barriers, promote competition in the repair market, and extend the usable life of consumer and industrial equipment.
  • Seeks to ensure access to necessary diagnostic information, repair manuals, service tools, and non-proprietary parts needed to perform repairs.

Key provisions and changes (typical elements of Right to Repair legislation)

  • Access to information:
    • Requires manufacturers to provide reasonably accessible diagnostic and repair information to consumers and independent repair providers.
    • May mandate standardized, user-friendly access to service manuals, schematics, software interfaces, and error-code data.
  • Tools and parts:
    • Prohibits prohibitive restrictions on selling tools, testing equipment, or replacement parts to independent repair technicians.
    • May require manufacturers to supply or sell non-warrantied replacement parts to third-party repairers at fair terms.
  • Software and cybersecurity:
    • Addresses automotive, appliance, and heavy equipment concerns about software protections that prevent repair.
    • May require certain non-user-programming interfaces or “readily accessible” security workarounds to allow legitimate repairs without compromising safety.
  • Warranties and consumer protections:
    • Clarifies that exercising the right to repair does not void warranties, or provides recourse if a manufacturer tries to deny coverage on repairs performed by independent shops.
  • Scope and applicability:
    • Defines which equipment is covered (e.g., consumer electronics, tractors, vehicles, appliances, lawn and garden equipment, and other durable goods).
    • May specify exemptions for critical safety systems or devices that pose significant personal risk if altered.

Who would be affected

  • Consumers who own or lease equipment covered by the act, enabling them to repair their own products or choose independent shops.
  • Independent repair businesses, electronics repair shops, and third-party service providers.
  • Manufacturers and distributors of covered equipment, who would have new obligations to share diagnostic data, manuals, tools, and parts.
  • Service centers and authorized dealers, who may need to adjust to new competition and information-sharing requirements.
  • Potentially, repair-related industries (e.g., automotive, consumer electronics, agriculture equipment) depending on the final scope.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Reported do pass, but directed to Judiciary (as of 2026-02-19).
  • Introduction timeline:
    • Filed for introduction: January 14, 2026
    • Referenced to Agriculture and then Judiciary on introduction
    • Further action placed with Judiciary after committee referral
  • Next steps (typical):
    • Hearings and potential amendments in the Judiciary committee.
    • Floor consideration by the Senate (and later the House, if bicameral passage is required in WV).
    • If advanced, potential veto considerations and conference if needed, followed by governor’s signature or veto.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Consumer outcomes:
    • Increased repair options and potentially lower costs.
    • Longer product lifespans and reduced electronic or industrial waste.
  • Market effects:
    • Greater competition among repair providers.
    • Possible shift in authorized-service dynamics and aftermarket parts demand.
  • Manufacturer considerations:
    • Compliance costs for data sharing, tooling, and part sales.
    • Need to balance proprietary information with repair access and safety compliance.
  • Safety and cybersecurity:
    • Balancing repair accessibility with protection of safety-critical systems and resolution of software licensing concerns.

Summary

SB 97 anticipates enabling a robust right-to-repair framework in West Virginia by requiring access to diagnostic information, repair manuals, tools, and replacement parts for a broad range of equipment. The bill seeks to empower consumers and independent repair providers while outlining safeguards around warranties, safety, and data access. The measure is currently moving through the Judiciary committee after initial introduction and referrals, with potential for broader legislative consideration in the session.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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