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Bill

Bill

S 4875

Requires manufacturers to provide access to motor vehicle data to motor vehicle owners and designees

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pat Fahy

Bill S 4875 requires vehicle manufacturers to provide owners and designees access to essential data, enhancing transparency and empowering informed maintenance decisions.

REFERRED TO CONSUMER PROTECTION
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Bill Summary · S 4875

Summary of Bill S 4875

Bill Number: S 4875
Title: Requires manufacturers to provide access to motor vehicle data to motor vehicle owners and designees
Status: Referred to Consumer Protection
Introduced: February 13, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 4875 aims to enhance transparency and consumer rights by mandating that motor vehicle manufacturers provide access to essential data related to their vehicles. This legislation is designed to empower vehicle owners and their designated representatives with the information necessary to understand, maintain, and repair their vehicles effectively.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions:

  • Access to Data: Manufacturers must grant vehicle owners and their designees access to data generated by the vehicle. This includes, but is not limited to, diagnostic information, performance metrics, and maintenance records.

  • Data Format: The data provided must be in a format that is easily understandable and usable by the vehicle owner or their designee, ensuring that the information is actionable.

  • Timeliness of Access: Manufacturers are required to provide this data in a timely manner, ensuring that vehicle owners can make informed decisions regarding maintenance and repairs without unnecessary delays.

  • Protection of Personal Information: The bill stipulates that while access to vehicle data is required, manufacturers must also protect the personal information of vehicle owners, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Vehicle Owners: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are motor vehicle owners who will gain greater access to their vehicle data, enabling them to make informed decisions about repairs and maintenance.

  • Designees: Individuals designated by vehicle owners, such as mechanics or service providers, will also benefit from access to this data, facilitating better service and repair outcomes.

  • Manufacturers: Motor vehicle manufacturers will need to adjust their data-sharing practices to comply with the new requirements, potentially incurring costs related to data management and compliance.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of February 13, 2025, Bill S 4875 has been referred to the Consumer Protection committee for further consideration.

  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to S 7014 from the prior session, indicating ongoing legislative interest in the topic of vehicle data access and consumer rights.

Conclusion

Bill S 4875 represents a significant step toward enhancing consumer rights in the automotive sector by ensuring that vehicle owners have the necessary access to their vehicle data. By promoting transparency and facilitating better maintenance practices, this legislation aims to empower consumers and improve overall vehicle ownership experiences.

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

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