From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office
Within the language of the recently approved Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026 (H.R. 7389), the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce passed an amended version of the REPAIR Act that codifies the 2014 national memorandum of understanding (MOU) between automakers and the independent repair industry organizations regarding access to vehicle repair and diagnostic information.
Sec. 202 of H.R. 7389 notes that it would enact Sections 1 through 5 of the MOU into law for vehicles weighing under 14,000 lbs. (read the MOU here). For vehicles that weigh over 14,000 lbs., the bill would make Sections 2 through 8 of a 2015 MOU for heavy-duty vehicles enforceable under federal law (click here to view).
• SEMA is neutral on the REPAIR Act as currently configured. To understand why, read our Right to Repair and Modify Principles
The 2014 right-to-repair MOU for light-duty vehicles, which was based on Massachusetts's automotive right-to-repair law, established a nationwide framework intended to ensure vehicle owners could choose where to have their vehicles serviced after warranty expiration. Under the MOU, participating automakers agreed to make available to independent repair facilities the same diagnostic and repair information that is provided to franchised dealers. The agreement also called for the use of a standardized, non-proprietary interface beginning with model-year '18 vehicles to access repair and diagnostic data. Sec. 203 of H.R. 7389 makes the 2014 and 2015 MOUs enforceable and subject to civil penalties by the Federal Trade Commission.
Additionally, the Energy and Commerce Committee significantly narrowed the scope of the REPAIR Act, which previously included broader provisions related to telematics and direct wireless data access. Rep. Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), the lead sponsor of the REPAIR Act, expressed his desire for House leadership and his colleagues to expand the REPAIR Act when H.R. 7389 comes up for a vote on the House floor.
"While the version included in yesterday's markup represents some progress, the legislation considered by the committee does not fully reflect the original REPAIR Act and fails to protect consumers, independent repair shops and aftermarket manufacturers," said Rep. Dunn.
Questions? Contact Juan Mejia, SEMA senior manager for federal government affairs, at juanm@sema.org.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Kelvn
