Farm equipment software would be sold with equipment and transfer to buyers

State law would treat software built into farm equipment, including updates, as sold rather than licensed for use. The rules would cover mobile farm equipment, such as tractors and harvesters, and related accessories that depend partly or fully on built-in or attached digital electronics. Manufacturers could not require agreements limiting the software’s intended or updated capabilities during the equipment’s useful life. The proposal set January 1, 2026, as the start date for all its requirements, but it failed and did not take effect.

Manufacturers or authorized repair shops would provide needed operating software free. Manufacturers would supply materials needed to test and install it. Access would cover owners and independent repair shops operating in Montana. Software-installation materials would have to be equivalent to those provided to manufacturer-authorized shops. Terms would have to be equivalent to the most favorable terms offered to authorized shops. Instructions and tools would be free, except for actual preparation and shipping costs for physical versions. If a part containing software failed and needed replacement, manufacturers would provide materials needed to install software and updates on the replacement at no charge. Necessary repair parts could not require extra contracts beyond a purchase order or substantial purchase-quantity restrictions. Tools could not require authorization or internet access. Independent repair shops would need the owner’s express permission to obtain materials for accessing and resetting electronic locks. Manufacturers could share those materials through a secure system.

Manufacturers could not use software that identifies individual parts, or other methods, to block working parts or penalize independent repairs. These limits would apply to manufacturers of covered farm equipment. The limits would cover working replacement parts, including parts made by other companies. Manufacturers could not use these methods to reduce performance after owner or independent repairs, issue misleading part warnings, charge more for future repairs, or limit who buys repair materials or performs repairs. Software updates could delete or reduce originally intended functions only for safety or security. Violations of any requirement would count as unfair or deceptive business practices and carry penalties under the state law cited in the proposal.