Right to Repair Supporters Make Their Case on Beacon Hill

It was a "standing-room-only" crowd as a broad coalition of consumer and business groups took voiced their "Right to Repair " directly to Bay State lawmakers.  Making their case before the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, The Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition called for passage of House Bill 228 and Senate Bill 124 - both bills guarantee repairers and consumers unrestricted access to automotive service information and tools.  The legislation prohibits the current practice of automobile manufacturers restricting access to repair information utilized by independent repairers. 

"We simply seek to level the playing field for independent auto repairers who are increasingly being denied access to necessary repair information by automobile manufacturers," said Barry Steinberg, owner of several Direct Tire locations in the Greater Boston Area, and batting lead-off for the day's hearing.  Steinberg told lawmakers he turns away up to five customers every day not because he doesn't have the best technicians and tools, but because in many cases, the repair codes and related information is not available. On one occasion, Steinberg couldn't repair his own vehicle at the shop he owns.

Along with bill sponsor Rep. Garrett Bradley (D-Hingham), many state legislators testified in favor of Right to Repair before the committee and the packed house, or sent supportive written testimony.  The bills themselves have more than 40 co-sponsors, an unusually high number for any bill.

On behalf of Paul Sullivan, owner of 29 Sullivan Tire locations across the state, Mark Gillard pinpointed three fundamental concerns that Right to Repair addresses; preserving consumer choice, community businesses, and jobs.  Like Barry Steinberg,   Mr. Gillard said he took his own car to a Sullivan Tire shop, only to be told he needed to go to the dealer to complete the repair.

Alternating between pro and con testimony, what was noticed by at least one committee member was that scores of local repairers took valuable time away from their businesses to attend or testify in favor of Right to Repair legislation, suggesting these independent repairers wouldn't be willing to waste their time and money if there wasn't a legitimate problem. 

As a certified Master Automobile Technician, AAA's John Paul took exception to the car manufacturer's assertion that independent mechanics have access to all the codes and tools, they just lack the expertise. "The independent repair shop technician, if they have access to information and specialized tools, can repair your car as well as anyone at a dealership."   Paul, AAA Southern New England's Car Doctor and representative of more than 2.3 million AAA members in Massachusetts made a strong case of Right to Repair, stating that he receives dozens of complaints from consumers on his popular "Car Doctor" radio show and regular web chats.

Stan Morin, with the New England Tire Dealers Association, also contradicted the auto industry's claims-- "Working in a very technically advanced industry, the lack of specific repair information places me and my fellow businesses at a very distinct disadvantage to a information rich Auto Manufacturer's outlet. As this restriction grows more independent repairers will be killed off" said Morin.  "Consumers should have a choice as to who does their car repairs," said Morin, "this is nothing less than a battle for consumer choice and the very survival of the independent repair industry."

Steve Regan spokesman for the Massachusetts Auto Body Association echoed  Morin's statement.  "The legislation is designed to ensure the most fundamental rights of consumers and small businesses across the Commonwealth are protected," said Regan, who quarterbacked an impressive panel of repair shop owners.  "By promoting competition over the current monopolistic practices of certain manufacturers, we will help consumers retain their options for choosing a repair facility, which will result in reducing the cost of repairs, and ensure the tenants of our free market economy are protected," Regan concluded.

Representatives of the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) and the Retailers Association of America added their strong support of Right to Repair.

Coalition spokesman Art Kinsman points out to reporters outside the hearing room that not only do independent auto repairers, service centers and parts businesses  employ nearly one out of every ten workers in Massachusetts, "these local businesses are an integral part of the fabric of the community, from sponsoring little league teams to helping with local fundraising and charity work.  Their demise will not just add unemployment, but remove another key community resource."

"As a shop owner and technician for the past 30 years, I have never seen the lack of repair information we face today. We spend thousands of dollars every year on software, only to find that information is missing. When you can't properly diagnose your customers' vehicles, you have no choice but to send them to the franchise repair facilities. The last thing we need in today's economy is to send work away," said Lou Tedeschi, President , A.S.P.I. Motor Cars of Dedham, and represents the Massachusetts Independent Automobile Dealers Association.