Farmers And Ranchers Right To Repair Bill Still In Limbo
Author: Karli Johnson and Nichole Rolf, Montana Farm Bureau Federation
Farmers and Ranchers Right to Repair Bill Still in Limbo
Karli Johnson and Nichole Rolf
Montana Farm Bureau Federation
House Business and Labor had an extensive conversation on Thursday on HB 390: Provide for Montana Right to Repair Agriculture Equipment Act sponsored by Paul Tuss (D) HD 27. MFBF, along with numerous agricultural equipment dealers, rose in opposition to the bill. Montana Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) shared that this controversial subject has been discussed extensively by our members on the state and federal level. After thorough discussions, our members nationwide concluded that the best way to fix right to repair controversy is through a comprehensive, free market solution, rather than having a state-by-state patchwork of right to repair legislation. Based on this policy, Farm Bureau moved forward in working toward a solution that meets the needs of our members by entering into agreements with the major equipment manufacturers. This process resulted in Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreements with six of the major manufacturers, and more are in the works. These MOUs were created based on satisfying the needs of our members and are reviewed biannually to ensure these needs are met.
Since the beginning of the MOU agreements, around two years ago, AFBF has found that they are effectively working and cover three quarters of the machinery sold in the U.S. Discussion was also brought up on how these highly detailed MOUs are more capable of keeping up with modernization than legislation can be. Along with this, private sector solutions will not have the unattended consequences of a price flux in parts or potential out-of-stock items when farmers need it most. The bottom line is our MOUs do far more to give equipment owners the right to repair than this legislation ever would. Our members asked for a private market solution and Farm Bureau has delivered. This legislation is unnecessary at best and harmful at worst.
