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Bill Summary · LC 3509

Summary of LC 3509 - Generally Revise Right to Repair Laws

Overview

Bill Number: LC 3509
Title: Generally Revise Right to Repair Laws
Status: (LC) Draft Died in Process
Introduced: December 14, 2024

Purpose and Intent

The purpose of LC 3509 is to expand and strengthen "right to repair" laws in the state, giving farmers, ranchers, and other consumers more freedom to repair their own agricultural equipment and machinery. The bill aims to address concerns that manufacturers have been making it increasingly difficult and expensive for owners to fix their own devices, forcing them to rely on authorized repair services.

Key Provisions

  • Requires manufacturers of agricultural equipment, machinery, and implements to make diagnostic and repair information, as well as necessary parts, tools, and software, available to owners and independent repair providers.
  • Prohibits manufacturers from using digital locks, firmware updates, or other technological restrictions that prevent owners from diagnosing, maintaining, or repairing their own equipment.
  • Establishes civil penalties for manufacturers that violate the right to repair requirements, with fines up to $100,000 per violation.
  • Allows owners and independent repair shops to access and utilize a device's diagnostic and repair information, including embedded software, without obtaining authorization from the manufacturer.
  • Exempts certain proprietary information and trade secrets from the disclosure requirements to protect manufacturers' intellectual property.

Affected Parties and Impacts

The bill would primarily benefit farmers, ranchers, and other owners of agricultural equipment and machinery, giving them more control and flexibility over the repair and maintenance of their devices. Independent repair shops would also be able to service these products without relying on authorized providers.

Manufacturers of agricultural equipment may face increased costs and competitive pressure, as they would be required to provide more information and access to their products. However, the bill includes exemptions to protect their intellectual property rights.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

LC 3509 was introduced in the state legislature on December 14, 2024, but the draft bill ultimately died in the legislative process without being enacted into law. The failure of the bill means that the state's current right to repair laws remain in effect, which may continue to limit the ability of farmers and other consumers to independently repair their agricultural equipment.

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

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