Auto Care Association State Government Affairs Update: June 27, 2025

what's moving?

• Bills on Electronic and Appliance Product Repairs; Regulations:
• RI HB 6053 was sent to the governor on June 27, 2025. This act strengthens consumer protections in insurance claims by raising the total loss threshold for vehicles, requiring insurers to compensate for industry-recommended repair procedures, and expanding the definition of unfair claims practices to ensure fairer and more transparent settlements.
• RI HB 6207 was sent to the governor on June 25, 2025. This act requires Rhode Island to conduct a comprehensive statewide analysis and stakeholder-driven planning process for implementing a beverage container redemption and recycling program, with key reports due in 2026.
• IL HB3677 was sent to the governor on June 24, 2025. The bill  establishes comprehensive standards for the provision, repair, and insurance coverage of complex rehabilitation technology in Illinois, ensuring consumer protections, streamlined repair processes, and expanded insurance requirements for individuals who rely on complex wheelchairs and related equipment.
• MI HB 4549 was reported favorably by committee on June 26, 2025. The bill updates Michigan's Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act by introducing auxiliary repair facilities, increasing registration and certification fees, strengthening consumer protections, and modernizing regulatory requirements for motor vehicle repair businesses, effective January 1, 2026.
• Bills on Right to Repair and Equipment:
• RI HB 5017 was signed by the governor on June 26, 2025. This act requires powered wheelchair manufacturers to provide repair information and tools to consumers and independent repair providers, prohibits prior authorization for repairs, and ensures ongoing service access, thereby expanding consumer rights and repair options for wheelchair users in Rhode Island.
• RI SB884 was signed by the governor on June 26, 2025. The act mandates powered wheelchair manufacturers to provide repair information and tools to independent repair suppliers and consumers, prohibits prior authorization for repairs, and requires suppliers to service sold wheelchairs, enhancing repair accessibility for consumers.

PA HB 1512 was referred to House committee on June 26, 2025. The bill, dubbed the Right-to-Repair Act, requires manufacturers to provide independent repairers and owners with access to necessary repair resources for digital electronic equipment in Pennsylvania, with specific exclusions and protections, and imposes penalties for noncompliance.

state updates

Twelve state legislatures are in regular session.

• Oregon House Speaker Julie Fahey (D) has introduced a proposed transportation budget to raise $11.7 billion by 2035 through increased gas taxes and DMV fees. The bill, a pared-down version of one that sputtered earlier this session, would also enact a per-mile charge on EV users.
• The Maine Legislature has passed LD 1228, a landmark right to repair bill, following back-to-back sessions lasting over ten hours in each chamber. The bill now heads to Gov. Janet Mills (D) for signature. It establishes an oversight commission and replaces a voter-approved mandate for a standardized data platform with more flexible manufacturer access requirements.

A federal judge in Washington state has ordered the Trump administration to resume distribution of funds to build EV chargers. Unless the Trump administration appeals the decision within seven days, the money will be returned to 14 states that sued to get it back: Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin.

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