By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – U.S. legislators are introducing the “Right to Repair” legislation to allow consumers to get their vehicles, agricultural equipment and electronic devices serviced at independent shops.

Bobby Rush, a Democrat said on Thursday that he introduced legislation to guarantee vehicle owners’ and independent repair shops equal access to repairs and maintenance tools to the automakers.

Separate legislation was introduced Wednesday by Republican Victoria Spartz and Representative Mondaire Jones (a Democrat). This bill, called the Freedom to Repair Act, aims to amend copyright laws to allow consumers to obtain repairs more easily.

Public Knowledge Policy Counsel Kathleen Burke said the bill would allow “consumers to repair their own devices without needing to get the Copyright Office’s permission every three years.”

President Joe Biden, as part of broad-ranging efforts to improve competition, has declared that it is a top priority for people to be able repair their own goods.

Last month, Biden said in too many cases “if you own a product, from a smartphone to a tractor, you don’t have the freedom to choose how or where to repair that item you purchased.”

Rush’s bill requires that all equipment and tools, as well as wireless transmission of diagnostic and repair data and the access to onboard diagnostic systems required for repairs be available to independent repair companies.

Rush said it would “end manufacturers’ monopoly on vehicle repair and maintenance and allow Americans the freedom to choose where to repair their vehicles.”

The U.S Federal Trade Commission decided in July to prioritize the problem of manufacturers pushing consumers towards licensed dealers for repairs to items that range from smartphones and farm equipment.

Rush’s bill creates a committee for recommendations to FTC concerning vehicle repairs.

A coalition representing large automakers sued in Massachusetts to prevent a Massachusetts voter approved measure, which would allow for greater access to data about vehicles and enable independent shops to service increasingly complex automotive technology.