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DENVER, CO – First-in-the-nation legislation to save farmers and ranchers money and time on costly agricultural equipment repairs goes into effect on January 1, 2024.
HB23-1011, sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, and Senators Nick Hinrichsen and Janice Marchman requires agricultural equipment manufacturers to comply with existing consumer right to repair laws.
“Starting next month, farmers and ranchers across Colorado can save both time and money on fixing their own equipment,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “I’m incredibly proud of this first-in-the-nation right to repair law because without it, farmers are forced to wait weeks for repair technicians' availability and spend outrageous amounts on necessary repairs. Right to repair empowers Coloradans to fix their own equipment, and this new law helps get farmers and ranchers back to work faster when their equipment breaks.”
“Colorado’s farmers play a critical role in our economy, but for too long when their equipment broke down, they were forced to use an authorized mechanic to get it fixed, costing them both extra time and money,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “That’s why I fought to give Colorado farmers the freedom to repair their equipment themselves or have an independent mechanic do the work. This new law will give Colorado farmers a leg up and save them time and money so they can focus on their important job of feeding the world.”
“Family farmers and ranchers like the ones I represent need all the help they can get, and this new law is a great first step,” Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, said. “A broken tractor or combine during harvest season can be devastating, and makes an already difficult job that much harder. Farmers should be able to apply know-how and elbow grease to fix their own equipment instead of being forced to use an authorized dealer. I am thrilled that our bill to keep operations running smoothly and save Colorado ag producers critical time and money is going into effect.”
As outlined in HB23-1011, agricultural equipment manufacturers now need to provide necessary parts, software, firmware, tools or documentation to independent repair providers and owners at a fair and reasonable price. Colorado is the first and only state in the nation to secure a law for the right to repair agricultural equipment.
Under this law, agricultural equipment manufacturers or dealers selling on behalf of the manufacturer must provide repair items at fair and reasonable costs. This law aims to save farmers and ranchers money on necessary equipment repairs while speeding up the repair process. Agriculture is one of the largest and leading industries in the state of Colorado. HB23-1011 is supported by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, the Corn Growers, Wheat Growers, Wool Producers, Fruit and Vegetable Producers, the Cattleman, and the National Federation of Independent Businesses.