The Right to Repair issue being addressed in the Massachusetts state legislature will one day change your business – whether you’re located in the commonwealth or not, says Sheila Andrews, manager of government affairs for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association.
“Everything that happens with [Right to Repair] will be affected by what happens in Massachusetts,” she says.
The Right to Repair law was initially passed in Massachusetts last summer and did not include heavy-duty repair. It was later temporarily added as a provision, sending the law back to the state legislature. As Massachusetts prepares to vote on it again, OEMs are trying to keep heavy-duty out of the law.
To get it added, Andrews says the heavy-duty aftermarket has to speak up.
“Heavy duty needs to get a voice together to gain admission into the law,” she says. ” A campaign needs to be started.”
While Massachusetts is currently the only state with Right to Repair on a legislative ballot, other states and possibly the Federal government could investigate creating a potential law in the near future.
She advises that if that happens, it is likely to mirror the Massachusetts rule. Which means for heavy-duty service providers to see the benefits then, they must be proactive now.
Andrews recommends contacting the AAIA and CVSN to provide support for the Massachusetts’ decision to include heavy-duty service. She also recommends forwarding this letter: http://tinyurl.com/MARighttoRepair, which Massachusetts’ residents can sign to support heavy-duty’s involvement with Right to Repair.
“Heavy duty has to act now,” she says.
