Auto Care Association State Government Affairs Update: April 24, 2025

what's moving?

• Bills on Electronic and Appliance Product Repairs; Regulations:
• CA AB 872 was referred to committee on Apr. 21, 2025. The bill intends to empower the Department of Toxic Substances Control to regulate nonessential consumer products, prioritize actions based on risk, and coordinate with the EPA, without specifying funding or deadlines.
• NV AB 407 was passed by the Assembly on Apr. 22, 2025. The legislation requires OEMs to provide repair resources for certain products, with exemptions and liability protections, effective January 1, 2026.
• IL HB 3677 was referred to Senate committee on Apr. 23, 2025. The Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act regulates the sale, repair, and insurance coverage of complex wheelchairs in Illinois, effective January 1, 2026, and violations are deemed unlawful under consumer protection laws.
• TX HB 1713 was reported unfavorably by committee on Apr. 22, 2025. The legislation increases penalties for damaging electric vehicle supply equipment, classifying it as a third-degree felony, effective September 1, 2025.

• Bills on Right to Repair and Equipment:
• CO HB25-1330 was referred to Senate committee on Apr. 22, 2025. The 'Entanglement Exception Act' exempts quantum computing and sensing devices from Colorado's 'Consumer Repair Bill of Rights Act,' effective January 1, 2026, unless challenged by a referendum.
• HI SB 1216 was reported favorably by committee on Apr. 23, 2025. The bill amends Hawaii's vehicle inspection and repair laws to enforce stricter regulations on muffler noise, increase penalties for violations, and ensure compliance through inspection station oversight.
• TX HB 4555 had a hearing scheduled on Apr. 23, 2025. The legislation ensures vehicle owners in Texas have the right to access their vehicle's data and repair information without manufacturer-imposed barriers, with enforcement starting September 1, 2025.
• OR SB 550 had a hearing scheduled on Apr. 24, 2025. The bill expands Oregon's right to repair law to include electric wheelchairs and complex rehabilitation technology, requiring manufacturers to provide repair tools and parts on fair terms, with compliance reporting due by December 31, 2025.

Bills on Workforce and Apprenticeships

CA AB 1304 was reported favorably by committee on Apr. 22, 2025. The bill mandates paint manufacturers to enhance recovery, reuse, and recycling efforts for post-consumer paint, requiring updated education and outreach initiatives and investment in workforce training through apprenticeship programs.

state updates

Thirty-six state legislatures are in regular session. Maine is in special session.

• Starting May 1, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle owners in Pennsylvania will face an annual fee to help fund road maintenance. The law was signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro (D), and imposes a $200 fee for EVs and $50 for hybrids in 2025, increasing in 2026 and indexed to inflation thereafter. The policy will aim to level the playing field, as gas-powered drivers already contribute through fuel taxes.
• A long-awaited “Right to Appraisal” bill is nearing passage in Texas after years of industry advocacy led by the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) and public adjusters. The bill would give consumers the right to challenge insurance repair estimates by involving independent appraisers. Having cleared the Senate and passed the House Insurance Committee, the legislation now awaits scheduling for a full House vote.
• Washington state is poised to become the eighth state to pass right to repair legislation, pending the governor’s signature. The law would require manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and repair documentation for electronics, appliances, and wheelchairs. Supporters, including WashPIRG and disability advocates, say the measure promotes fairness, affordability, and sustainability.

Questions about state legislation? Email tod.moore@autocare.org.