Iowa House Republicans are pushing legislation aimed at giving farmers greater ability to fix their own agricultural equipment as repair costs continue to climb.
Lawmakers say farmers consistently tell them rising repair costs have strained farm finances and that as equipment becomes more technologically advanced, some manufacturers restrict access to the diagnostic tools and software needed for repairs.
The Iowa House Agriculture Committee advanced two measures to address that concern. House Study Bill 751 and House File 2529 would require original farm equipment manufacturers to make diagnostic information, technical updates and repair tools available in the same manner they are provided to authorized repair providers. Supporters say the bills would strengthen farmers’ “right to repair” their own equipment and give them more freedom to maintain their operations.
Both measures have cleared the committee, a key step that keeps them eligible for consideration by the full Iowa House. The bills must be debated and approved by the House, then pass the Iowa Senate, before being signed into law by the governor.
