This bill, introduced in the Minnesota Senate as S.F. No. 2030, aims to expand the right to repair for farm equipment by requiring original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to provide independent repair providers and equipment owners with necessary tools, documentation, and parts.

Key Provisions:

1. Definitions Update:

   • The bill defines key terms such as authorized repair provider, independent repair provider, digital electronic equipment, farm equipment, and parts pairing to ensure clarity in its application.
   • It includes farm equipment within the broader category of digital electronic equipment for repair access.

2. Repair Access Requirements:

   • OEMs must make documentation, tools (including software), and parts available on “fair and reasonable” terms to independent repair providers and farm equipment owners.
   • This must be done within 60 days of the equipment's first sale in Minnesota.
   • Farm equipment manufacturers must provide repair materials at no cost to owners, except for reasonable actual costs if physical copies of tools are needed.

3. Prohibitions Against Repair Restrictions:

   • OEMs are barred from using parts pairing or proprietary firmware to block the installation or use of replacement parts.
   • False or misleading warnings about third-party parts are prohibited.
   • Manufacturers cannot charge additional fees for enabling future repairs or impose restrictions on who can perform repairs.

4. Limitations & Liability Protections:

   • The bill does not require OEMs to disclose trade secrets except when necessary to facilitate repairs.
   • Manufacturers and authorized repair providers are not liable for damages caused by independent repair providers or owners.
   • The bill does not require manufacturers to provide tools or parts that could disable a device's security, enable illegal modifications, or violate emissions and safety laws.

5. Exemptions:

   • Motor vehicle manufacturers, medical device manufacturers, and makers of off-road and non-road equipment (such as construction or forestry equipment) are exempt.
   • Cybersecurity-related proprietary information is protected.
   • The bill excludes video game consoles and information technology equipment used in critical infrastructure.

Impact:

If passed, this law would enhance farmers’ and independent repair businesses' ability to diagnose, maintain, and repair farm equipment without being dependent on the OEMs. It aims to make repairs more accessible and affordable while prohibiting manufacturers from imposing unnecessary repair restrictions. However, certain industries and sensitive equipment categories remain exempt to protect proprietary or security-related information.