Farm equipment makers would provide repair tools to Virginia owners

Equipment makers would have to provide the parts, tools, and information needed to diagnose, maintain, or repair farm equipment, including updates. Access would cover owners and renters of equipment purchased or used in Virginia and independent repair businesses operating there. Equipment must be designed mainly for farm use. Makers would not have to reveal trade secrets. Makers would have to supply materials needed to access or reset security functions disabled during diagnosis, maintenance, or repair. They could use secure release systems. Coverage would depend on when equipment is sold or in use, rather than when it was manufactured.

Equipment makers would have to follow pricing rules and avoid unnecessary barriers to using repair materials. These rules would cover repair materials provided to owners and independent repair shops. Charges for printed information could cover only reasonable actual preparation and delivery costs. Parts would have to carry prices fair to both parties, considering quality, delivery, and agreed terms. Makers could not require owners or independent shops to become authorized repair providers or require parts to be registered, paired, or approved before they work. These rules would apply to equipment sold or in use in Virginia on or after January 1, 2027.

Violations would fall under Virginia’s consumer protection law. People who suffer losses from violations could also ask a circuit court to order compliance. Makers and authorized shops would not be liable for equipment damage caused during diagnosis, maintenance, or repairs performed by owners or independent shops. A person would have to suffer a loss from a violation to seek a court order under this provision. Contracts could not excuse equipment makers from following these requirements. These provisions would apply to equipment sold or in use in Virginia on or after January 1, 2027.