Bill would give Kansas owners and shops vehicle repair access

Manufacturers would provide access to vehicle data and diagnostic systems. The rule covers motor vehicles, including commercial vehicles and vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating. Access would not require manufacturer authorization unless the authorization is standardized across all makes and models sold in Kansas and managed by the repair board. If enacted, the act would take effect January 1, 2027.

Manufacturers would make repair tools, parts, software, and information available to owners and independent repair shops. These requirements cover vehicles sold in Kansas, including commercial vehicles and vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating. A separate data platform rule applies to manufacturers that install telematics systems. For model year 2002 vehicles, prices and terms would be comparable to those offered to dealers and authorized repair facilities. For model years 2002 through 2017, access would match what dealers receive. For model year 2018 and later vehicles, the text requires specified interfaces and access to the same repair information available to dealers. Owners would authorize independent shops or dealers to access telematics data. If enacted, the act would take effect January 1, 2027. Manufacturers covered by the telematics rule would provide the platform on or before January 1, 2028.

Manufacturers could withhold some security information under a condition, and owners or authorized shops could sue over unlawful access denials. The lawsuit provision covers vehicle owners and independent repair shops authorized by an owner to repair the vehicle. Manufacturers could exclude information needed to reset an immobilizer or security-related electronic modules only if they make it available through an accepted secure data-release system. A civil action is available when a manufacturer denies access in violation of the act. The penalty is $3,000 for each violation or $10,000 total, whichever is greater; each day of continued denial may count as a separate violation. If enacted, these provisions would take effect January 1, 2027.