Groups both in favor and opposition to Maine’s Right to Repair bill gathered at the State House last week to testify on the legislation, WFVX/WVII News reports.
Individuals in support of the bill stood outside the State House on May 9 with Right to Repair Coalition signs.
“This is about a level playing field for independent repair shops in Maine and having the ability to control the diagnostic repair information from a car that you bought and a car repair that you will pay for,” Right to Repair Coalition Director Tommy Hickey said.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation’s Vice President of State Affairs, Wayne Weikel, was there to voice disagreement. He argued that the bill compromises cybersecurity by making a state board responsible.
Though Weikel claimed information needed for repairs is already available, Right to Repair supporters such as V.I.P. Tires and Service President Timothy Winkeler claim the wireless technologies used to transfer information block independent shops.
Another public hearing on the bill will be held ahead of the Innovation, Development and Economic Advancement Committee's next workshop session.
