Colorado becomes 1st state to pass ‘right to repair’ for farmers – By Jesse Bedayn (Associated Press) / April 25, 2023
DENVER (AP) — Colorado became the first state Tuesday to ensure farmers can fix their own equipment with the governor’s signing of a “right to repair” law, which forces manufacturers to provide the necessary manuals, tools, parts and software.
Colorado, a state partly blanketed in ranches and farmland, took the lead on the issue following a nationwide outcry from farmers that manufacturers prevent them from fixing their own machines — from behemoth combines to thin tractors — when they break down. Farmers say it forces them to wait precious days for a servicer to arrive, a delay that could mean a hail storm decimates a crop or a farmer misses the ideal planting window.
Lawmakers in at least 10 other states have introduced similar legislation, including in Florida, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Texas and Vermont.
CONTINUE > https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/colorado-becomes-1st-state-to-pass-right-to-repair-for-farmers
