FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 8, 2022

Contact: Senator Tom Brandt, 402-471-2711, tbrandt@leg.ne.gov 

Senator Brandt to Prioritize Right to Repair Bill

LINCOLN, NE – LB543, which adopts the Agricultural Equipment Right-to-Repair Act was placed on General File today. Senator Tom Brandt has designated it as his priority bill for the 107th Legislature, Second Session. “Right to repair” is the term used by farmers and independent mechanics for having access to the tools and software they need in order to be able to repair agricultural equipment they already own such as tractors and combines.

LB543 was introduced last year by Sen. Brandt and had its hearing in front of the Judiciary Committee last February. The bill was voted out of committee last week. Nebraska becomes the first U.S. state to have right to repair legislation make it this far in the legislative process. State legislatures have introduced right to repair bills in over thirty states.

“LB543 is common sense legislation meant to address repairs that farmers can do themselves, which will save our farmers crucial time and money. Right to repair is the spirit of rural Nebraska. If it breaks, you try to fix it. LB543 allows Nebraska farmers access to what they need to fix the machinery that they own and to solve problems on the farm in a timely manner,” Senator Brandt said.

“Nebraska farmers and ranchers want the same independent repair shop option for their farm equipment that auto, pickup, and truck owners already have and benefit from. Right to repair will provide basic fairness and competition for farmers and ranchers while also growing the number of small rural repair businesses across the state. We hope the Nebraska Legislature does right by our state’s farmers and ranchers and supports LB543,” said John Hansen, President of Nebraska Farmers Union and long-time supporter of the right to repair.

“Today the Agricultural Equipment Right-To-Repair Act takes another step forward. That’s another step towards protecting Nebraska’s agricultural producers, equipment repair shops, and aftermarket parts manufacturers,” said Andrew Bish, COO of Bish Enterprises. “We are thrilled the Agricultural Equipment Right-To-Repair Act is making progress again and we look forward to supporting this legislation.”