SF2030

SF2030 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Farm equipment original equipment manufacturer facilitation of repairs requirement provision

Related bill: HF970

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes amendments to Minnesota's statutes to require original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to facilitate the repair of farm equipment by independent repair providers and owners. The bill includes several key provisions:

Definitions: The bill defines terms such as "authorized repair provider," "independent repair provider," "farm equipment manufacturer," "parts pairing," and "proprietary firmware." These definitions clarify the roles of different parties involved in the repair process.
Repair Requirements: OEMs must provide independent repair providers and equipment owners with access to documentation, parts, and tools—including software updates—on fair and reasonable terms. Farm equipment manufacturers must offer these tools and software to owners at no charge, except for physical copies.
Prohibitions: OEMs are prohibited from using software-based restrictions (e.g., parts pairing) to prevent repairs by independent parties. They cannot limit the availability of repair parts or charge extra fees that hinder independent repairs.
Limitations: OEMs do not have to disclose trade secrets unless necessary for providing repair tools and parts. They are also not liable for damages caused by independent repairs. Additionally, modifications that disable safety features or violate emissions laws are not permitted.
Exemptions: The bill excludes certain categories such as motor vehicles, medical devices, IT infrastructure for critical infrastructure, cybersecurity-related components, and video game consoles.
Liability Protections: OEMs and authorized repair providers are shielded from liability for damages resulting from repairs performed by independent providers or equipment owners.

In summary, this bill strengthens "right-to-repair" protections for farm equipment owners and independent repair businesses in Minnesota by ensuring they have access to repair materials while setting limits on manufacturer obligations.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 02, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
March 02, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Commerce and Consumer Protection

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies the definition of a contractor within the context of the bill."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill provides definitions relevant to contractors within the state, using the established definition from section 326B.31.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "326B.31"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Ensures farm equipment in the bill is defined consistently with existing statutes."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References the definition of farm equipment as laid out in 325E.061 to apply certain provisions of the bill.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "325E.061"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Excludes heavy and utility equipment to focus on typical farm machinery."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Cross-references the definition of heavy and utility equipment from section 325E.068 to exclude them from the definition of farm equipment in the bill.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "325E.068"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Integrates compliance with existing motor vehicle dealer licensing statutes."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Refers to the licensing requirements under section 168.27 for motor vehicle dealers.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "168.27"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Extends trade secret protections to context of equipment repair."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Utilizes the definition of trade secrets from section 325C.01 to provide protection under this legislative context.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "325C.01"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies energy storage systems are not subject to same obligations as repair provisions."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Applies the existing definition of an energy storage system from section 216B.2422 as part of exclusions within the bill.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "216B.2422"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Excludes IT equipment intended for critical infrastructure from the bill's repair specifications."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Cites federal law defining critical infrastructure, which is used to exclude certain information technology equipment from the bill's requirements.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "42 U.S.C. 5195c(e)"
  }
]