Although the most recent Massachusetts legislative session ended without the passage of the so-called "Right to Repair" law, a number of new corporations and interest groups have officially backed the effort, and will help existing supporters exert pressure on the state legislature to pass the bill during the next session.
The Automotive Recyclers Association, Valvoline Instant Oil Change, Allied Auto Parts, and the American Military Society have all joined the effort to make full diagnostic and repair information available to independent repair shops. Currently, many auto manufacturers limit the release of such details to licensed dealerships, which supporters of the bill say gives them an unfair competitive advantage.
Art Kinsman, a spokesman for the Right to Repair Coalition in the state, told Modern Tire Dealer that "there are 32,000 jobs related to the independent repair industry in Massachusetts, whether they are working under the hood of your car behind the counter at the local auto parts store. All these jobs depend on the availability of repair codes, information and tools. That's why so many businesses and groups have flocked to join our coalition."
The executive director of the American Oil Change Association, Leanne Stump, said "Americans throughout the country rely on oil change facilities for convenient local service….[They] must have access to the safety alerts and repair information necessary to provide basic maintenance services and safety checks on today's modern vehicles."
Modern Tire Dealer reports that Governor Deval Patrick will sign the bill if it reaches his desk. A measure passed the Massachusetts Senate last year, but did not make it through the lower chamber, despite the support of 114 members. Tirebusiness.com reports that opponents of the measure argue that sufficient disclosure rules are already in place for automotive repair information via a voluntary framework that became state law in 2002.