Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell is moving forward, despite the lack of a decision by a federal court, with implementing the Right to Repair law passed by the state’s voters in 2020.
On March 7, Campbell filed a “notice of intent to terminate non-enforcement stipulation” as of June 1, meaning she will take action to implement the law.
The Attorney General’s Office had suspended enforcement of the law pending the results of the court case, which has been repeatedly delayed for more than two years.
The Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition thanked Campbell for her decision.
“On behalf of all Massachusetts independent repair shops and 4,000 members statewide, we thank Attorney General Campbell for standing with the voters and their right to get their car fixed wherever they choose as automakers increasingly try to create a monopoly in the car repair market,” said Tommy Hickey, executive director of the Right to Repair Coalition. “It has been more than two years since Massachusetts voters approved Right to Repair by a 75-25 margin and the Attorney General’s action is a breath of fresh air for consumers and the independent auto repair market.
“During this delay, the automobile manufacturers have been unfairly steering new customers to their franchised dealerships, and consumers are losing,” Hickey continued. “We urge the federal court to finally rule in this case and appreciate the attorney general’s action moving forward."
In her court filing, Campbell said: “The attorney general has a specific statutory duty to issue the notice provided for under Section 4 of the Data Access Law---a statutory command approved by 75% of Massachusetts voters over two years ago---as well as more general statutory and common-law duties to defend and enforce the laws of the Commonwealth.
“After consideration of these competing concerns, the Attorney General has determined that the non-enforcement stipulation should soon come to an end. Accordingly, the attorney general respectfully notifies this court that the non-enforcement stipulation will terminate effective June 1, 2023, and that she will issue the notice required by Section 4 of the Data Access Law shortly thereafter.“
The Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition represents more than 4,000 members statewide, including independent repair shops, Massachusetts auto parts stores, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Massachusetts, the New England Tire and Service Association, Automotive Recyclers of Massachusetts and the Automotive Oil Change Association.
Source: Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition
Abby Andrews