A bi-partisan group in Congress has put its weight behind the Right to Repair Bill, including representatives from across the country.

Currently eight members of the House of Representatives, including initial sponsor Democrat Edolphus Towns, have signed on to support the bill that would require auto manufacturers to provide any information that may be used by independent shops to repair cars that it does to dealerships.

While language in the bill supports the protection of trade secrets, it also states that car owners and repair shops should have any tools and information used by dealerships made available at a similar cost.

One of the principal concerns is the more advanced computer systems that control most modern cars, which may require special esoteric information in order to decode.

It may also benefit owners of new and used cars looking to keep more money in their pocket: the bill as written recognizes that if enacted, it would help to promote competition that could benefit consumers.

“Right to Repair has become more important than ever as motorists seek new neighborhood repair shops because a dealership has closed in their area,” said Kathleen Schmatz, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association CEO. “This … ensures that local auto repair remains available to car owners throughout the country.”

Find New York Used Cars with NJ State Auto