SF2484

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of the bill is to expand the Digital Fair Repair Act in Minnesota to include motorcycles. This expansion is meant to ensure that both independent repair providers and owners of motorcycles have proper access to the necessary parts, tools, and documentation needed for repair and maintenance in a fair manner.

Main Provisions

• Inclusion of Motorcycles: The bill amends the Digital Fair Repair Act to specifically include motorcycles along with digital electronic equipment.
• Access to Repair Resources: Original equipment manufacturers must make available to independent repair providers and owners the necessary parts, tools, and documentation required for the repair and maintenance of motorcycles on fair and reasonable terms.
• Timeliness: Manufacturers are required to provide these resources within 60 days after the first sale of the motorcycle in Minnesota.
• Exemptions: The bill does not require manufacturers to divulge trade secrets unless necessary as part of providing repair documentation, parts, or tools. It also does not force manufacturers to provide parts or tools for modifications or to override anti-theft measures without owner authorization.

Significant Changes

• Definitions Expanded: Key terms like "motorcycle," "independent repair provider," and "original equipment manufacturer" have been updated to explicitly include motorcycles in the context of the repair act.
• Liability Limitations: The amendments clarify that neither manufacturers nor authorized repair providers are liable for damages resulting from repairs performed by independent providers or owners.
• Applicability Date: The amendments apply to motorcycles and equipment sold on or after July 1, 2021.

Relevant Terms

• Digital Fair Repair Act
• Motorcycle
• Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
• Authorized Repair Provider
• Independent Repair Provider
• Fair and Reasonable Terms
• Documentation
• Anti-theft Security Measures