Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1541014
THE FEDERAL REPAIR ACT The federal Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act stands as the most comprehensive legis- lative effort yet to level the playing field between OEMs and independent repairers. First introduced in 2022 and reintroduced with bi- partisan backing in 2024, the bill seeks to guaran- tee that vehicle owners, independent shops, and aftermarket suppliers have equal access to diagnos- tic and telematics data. Its provisions require manufacturers to provide real-time access to in-ve- hicle data critical to diag- nostics, repair, and cali- bration, to supply repair software, tools, and manu- als to independent provid- ers on fair and reasonable terms, and to refrain from using technological or legal barriers—such as en- cryption, VIN-locking, or restrictive licensing—to limit legitimate repair or parts installation. The Act would also empower the FTC and the NHTSA to oversee compliance, set- ting enforceable national standards for repair access and data sharing. As of fall 2025, the REPAIR Act has ad- vanced through the House Energy and Commerce Committee, buoyed by endorsements from major industry groups like the Auto Care Association, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, and SEMA. Lawmakers from manu- facturing, agricultural, and logistics-heavy states have highlighted the bill's eco- nomic importance—argu- ing that it would reduce maintenance costs and fleet downtime for small businesses and commer- cial operators. That said, opposition from automak- ers and cybersecurity ad- vocates has stalled the bill in the Senate. Despite this congressional observers view the REPAIR Act's passage in the next legis- lative session as increas- ingly likely. If enacted, it would establish a uniform national baseline for re- pair access—replacing the patchwork of state laws, strengthening enforcement authority, and ensuring that both light and heavy duty vehicle owners can repair what they own without undue OEM inter- ference. THE REPAIR ACT AT A GLANCE Introduced 2022 (Reintroduced 2024) Sponsors Bloartisian House Coalition Agencies FTC, NHTHSA Purpose Equal access to data, tools, and software Status Fall 2025: Advanced through house Energy & Commerce Committe Supporters Auto Care Association, MEMA, SEMA Opposition Major Automakers, Cybersecurity groups WHAT TO DO NOW: A 90-DAY ACTION PLAN Your guide to immediate steps for restoring competative repair access Story Continued on Pg.32 IDA Universal Nov - Dec 2025 31