Right-to-repair bill clears state senate as dealers push back

A closely watched right-to-repair bill cleared a state senate this week, moving farmers a step closer to mandated access to the diagnostic software and tools that manufacturers currently keep in-house. Supporters say the change would let owners and independent shops fix machines without a trip to the dealer for a software unlock.

Equipment makers and their dealer associations are pushing back hard, arguing that opening up controls invites tampering with emissions systems and safety interlocks. They also warn it could expose proprietary code to competitors.

Farm groups counter that the status quo leaves growers stranded during narrow planting and harvest windows when a dealer service tech is days away. The bill now heads to the lower chamber, where a similar fight is expected.