70,000 signatures delivered for “Right to Repair”
STATEWIDE– A group of Maine repair shop owners delivered signatures to Maine’s Secretary of State to get the “Right to Repair” referendum on the ballot in 2023.
“This Right-to-Repair bill is not just for the independent repair shops, its for the do-it-yourselfers out there.”
A group of Maine independent repair shop owners, employees and general supporters submitted over 70,00 signatures for Maine’s right-to-repair bill.
“In order to update the law for new technology we passed a referendum in Massachusetts last – two years ago and are looking to do that in Maine to make sure that consumers have the ability to take their car where they choose to get their repairs,” said Tommy Hickey, director, Right to Repair Coalition.
Hickey says that automotive companies have put measures in place for the computers in new vehicles that make it so only dealerships and the car manufacturers can access diagnostics that allow them to make repairs.
The Right-to-Repair bill is being introduced as a way to level the playing field and make it so independent repair shops can also access that information.
“It’s frustrating. It’s frustrating for technicians all across the state and if you talk to anyone who is running a shop or a technician who is trying to fix vehicles today, as they get to these newer and newer vehicles it becomes harder and harder to get the information they need to help customers,” said Tim Winkler, president and CEO, VIP Tires and Service.
According to Winkler, the movement has received overwhelming support from the public and he expects the same support if the bill makes it to the ballot in November.
“We’re gonna work through the legislative process, as you know we have about 7 months to educate those folks, we hope they pass it and if not we’re ready to take it to the ballot in 2023,” said Hickey.
The post 70,000 signatures delivered for “Right to Repair” appeared first on WVII / Fox Bangor.