HF970 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Original equipment manufacturer required to facilitate the repair of farm equipment.
Related bill: SF2030
AI Generated Summary
This Minnesota legislative bill, authored by Pursell, Nelson, Frederick, Allen, Cha, and others, is designed to make it easier for farm equipment to be repaired by requiring original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to provide necessary information, tools, and parts to authorized and independent repair providers. The bill specifically amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 325E.72, adding and updating definitions and regulations surrounding the maintenance and repair of farm equipment.
Key Points of the Bill:
Definitions and Clarifications:
- Definitions for terms like "authorized repair provider," "farm equipment," "cybersecurity," "embedded software," "independent repair provider," and others are clearly stated.
- Clarification on what constitutes "fair and reasonable terms" for acquiring parts and tools necessary for repairs.
Requirements for Equipment Manufacturers:
- Manufacturers are required to provide documentation, parts, and tools needed for the repair of farm equipment to any independent repair provider or owner under fair and reasonable terms.
- Manufacturers must make parts and tools accessible within 60 days after the equipment's first sale in Minnesota.
- Restrictions on manufacturers using proprietary methods that hinder the repair process by independent parties.
Prohibitions for Manufacturers:
- Prohibits manufacturers from using specific methods (like parts pairing and proprietary firmware) to limit repairs by third parties or to manipulate equipment performance detrimentally.
Limitations and Exclusions:
- The bill outlines certain limitations and exclusions, ensuring that manufacturers are not compelled to disclose trade secrets or provide parts that aren't commercially available or are exclusively for product development.
- Specific stipulations are stated concerning safety, liability, and maintenance of industry and safety standards.
- The bill also specifies that it does not apply to several categories including motor vehicles, medical devices, and off-road equipment among others
Liability and Warranties:
- Clarifies that no OEM or authorized repair provider shall be liable for damages resulting from repairs done by independent providers unless it involves proven defects from the original manufacturer.
This legislative effort aims to promote fairness in the repair market for farm equipment, making it potentially more affordable and accessible for owners to manage repairs independently or with their chosen provider. It empowers equipment owners and independent businesses by giving them the tools and information needed to perform repairs without being overly dependent on the OEMs.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 16, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Commerce Finance and Policy |
| March 05, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author added | |
| March 16, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author stricken | |
| March 16, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author added | |
| April 01, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author stricken |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"The term 'Contractor' is referenced for consistency in defining roles related to repair and maintenance."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "The bill uses the definition of 'Contractor' as stated in section 326B.31, subdivision 14.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "326B.31"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Clarifies the scope of equipment manufacturers covered under the new bill provisions by linking to existing definitions."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Defines 'Farm equipment' and excludes certain types of equipment as referenced in section 325E.061.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "325E.061"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Specifies the exclusion of heavy and utility equipment from new obligations by referencing existing legal definitions."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Excludes heavy and utility equipment from the definition of 'Farm equipment' using section 325E.068.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "325E.068"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Confirms that activities such as selling and repairing motor vehicles must adhere to existing licensing requirements."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Describes motor vehicle dealer licensing as per section 168.27.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "168.27"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Ensures that trade secrets are protected within the context of the bill by leveraging existing legal definitions."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Defines 'Trade secret' as per section 325C.01, subdivision 5.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "325C.01"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Provides clarity on the type of energy systems that are exempt from new repair and maintenance obligations."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Excludes energy storage systems from the bill by using the definition under section 216B.2422.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "216B.2422"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Establishes an exemption for medical devices within the context of repair and maintenance regulations."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Excludes medical devices from the bill's provisions by referencing the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Specifies that certain critical infrastructure technologies are exempt from new repair laws based on federal definitions."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Excludes critical infrastructure IT equipment, as defined in 42 U.S.C. 5195c.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "42 U.S.C. 5195c"
}
]