Right to Repair Agriculture Equipment Heads to Governor’s Desk

DENVER, CO –  Bipartisan legislation, spearheaded by Representatives Brianna Titone and Ron Weinberg, to save farmers and ranchers money and time on costly agricultural equipment repairs is ready for Governor Polis’ signature.  

“Soon farmers and ranchers will have the freedom to fix their own equipment or hire local technicians which saves them money, time, and gets them back to their work faster,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “I’ve heard countless stories of farmers being forced to spend outrageous amounts on equipment repairs, waiting weeks for a repair technician or opting for dated technology because they can repair it easier. Right to repair empowers Coloradans to fix their own equipment, and I hope that this legislation can be a blueprint for other states across the nation.” 

“It is an honor to serve my constituents and stand up for the rights of personal property,” said Rep. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland. “I am grateful to work with Rep. Titone on passing legislation that benefits our farmers in Colorado.”

HB23-1011, would require agricultural equipment manufacturers to comply with existing consumer right to repair laws. Specifically, agricultural equipment manufacturers would 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 bill, agricultural equipment manufacturers or dealers selling on behalf of the manufacturer cannot upcharge for any repair items. This bill 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. 

Last year, Representatives Titone and David Ortiz, D-Littleton, passed two trailblazing right to repair laws specifically for wheelchair users. These laws require wheelchair manufacturers to provide parts and software to consumers and eliminate the need for prior authorization to repair powered wheelchairs and other complex mobility devices for Medicaid recipients. These laws provided the framework for HB23-1011.