Idaho State Capitol – On Thursday, a bill sponsored by Senator David Nelson/(D-Moscow) was printed in Senate Commerce and Human Resources. The legislation would allow farmers and ranchers to save money on repairs for their high-tech farm equipment and citizens to get their own electronic equipment repaired as well.
“We want to put power back in farmer’s hands.” Senator Nelson explained. “Our agricultural community relies on their equipment to be efficient. If a farmer has to use the dealer for all repairs, it can significantly raise costs and prevent independent repair shops from having a chance for the business. It’s not fair if a manufacture has monopoly power on a repair that lets them charge high prices.”
“Agriculture is crucial to our state and Right to Repair legislation would support Idaho Farmers. Vehicles, tractors, and other farming equipment are costly to repair or replace, and the current laws make the process of making repairs more costly than necessary. The safety and success of our farmers and ranchers are a priority for the legislature and this legislation supports that priority.”
Senator Grant Burgoyne/(D-Boise) is co-sponsoring the legislation.
“Idaho is a state where many people live beyond the practical reach of repair services.” Sen. Burgoyne explained. “We have to be and are self-reliant. We should have the right of self-repair and access to local repair facilities. Even as urban consumers, we should have these rights.”