Michigan Farmers Urge Lawmakers to Pass 'Right to Repair' Legislation

Michigan farmers and other advocates are urging state lawmakers to pass a bill that would allow farmers to fix their own equipment instead of being forced to take it to authorized repair centers.

The bill, House Bill 4673, is known as the Agricultural Equipment Repair Act. It would require equipment manufacturers and authorized repair providers to make tools, parts, manuals, and other necessary items available to farmers and independent shops so they can conduct their own repairs.

Proponents of the bill say it would save farmers time and money, and give them more control over their equipment. They also say it would help to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture, by reducing the need to transport equipment to and from repair centers.

Opponents of the bill, including the North American Equipment Dealers Association, say it would lead to lower quality repairs and could put farmers' safety at risk. They also say it would be unfair to equipment manufacturers, who would be forced to give away their intellectual property.

The bill is currently being considered by the Michigan House Agriculture Committee. If it passes the committee, it would go to the full House for a vote.

Here are some of the key points of the bill:

• Requires equipment manufacturers and authorized repair providers to make tools, parts, manuals, and other necessary items available to farmers and independent shops.

• Defines "fair and reasonable costs" for parts and repairs.

• Prohibits equipment manufacturers from requiring farmers to use authorized repair providers.

• Allows farmers to sue equipment manufacturers for violating the law. The bill has the support of:

• The Michigan Farmers Union

• Progress Michigan

• The Michigan League of Conservation Voters

• Michigan Food and Farming Systems

• Michigan Climate Action Network

• Michigan United

• Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance

• Sierra Club Michigan

• Michigan Sustainable Business Forum

The bill is opposed by:

• The North American Equipment Dealers Association

The bill is still in the early stages of the legislative process, so it is not yet clear whether it will pass. However, the support of a broad coalition of farmers and other advocates gives it a good chance of success.

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