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HB 1324

Farm Equipment Right to Repair Act; penalties; civil action.

2026 Regular Session

Virginia bill requires farm equipment manufacturers to provide repair access, manuals, and tools to farmers and independent shops, enforced through civil penalties.

Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1324)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1324

Legislative bill overview

HB 1324 establishes a "right to repair" framework for farm equipment, requiring manufacturers to provide farmers and independent repair shops access to repair manuals, diagnostic tools, and parts necessary to maintain and repair agricultural machinery. The bill includes civil action provisions allowing affected parties to sue for violations and establishes penalties for non-compliance.

Why is this important

Farmers currently depend on manufacturers' authorized service networks for repairs, which can be expensive, slow, and geographically inconvenient in rural areas. This bill addresses supply chain vulnerabilities and farm economics by enabling farmers to maintain equipment independently, potentially reducing operational costs and downtime during critical agricultural seasons.

Potential points of contention

  • Intellectual property and trade secrets: Manufacturers argue that repair manuals and diagnostic software contain proprietary designs and may resist broad disclosure requirements
  • Safety and liability concerns: Equipment makers may claim that unauthorized repairs could create safety hazards, potentially creating liability exposure they cannot control
  • Implementation costs: Manufacturers may argue that producing and maintaining repair documentation for older equipment models is economically burdensome
  • Scope ambiguity: Unclear whether the bill applies to all farm equipment or specific categories, and how "reasonable access" is defined legally

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

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