SMART Act Joins “Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act” as First Pair of Right to Repair Bills Introduced in 118th Congress
A bipartisan group of federal legislators—including Reps. Darrell Issa (R-CA-48), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18), Dave Joyce (R-OH-14), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX-18), Laurel Lee (R-FL-15), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-3)—has reintroduced the Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation (SMART) Act (H.R. 1707).
In a statement applauding the move, CAR Coalition Executive Director Justin Rzepka said:
“Legislative reform is critical to lowering auto repair costs, restoring consumer choice in the car repair market, and encouraging industry competition. The bipartisan SMART Act will put the power of choice back in the hands of consumers and local businesses, providing much-needed relief in the face of rising prices and supply chain breakdowns.”
Justin Rzepka, Executive Director, CAR Coalition
The SMART Act will limit automakers’ design patent abuse by reducing the time that they can enforce design patents against alternative parts manufacturers on collision repair parts—including common parts like side mirrors, quarter panels, and bumpers—from 15 years to 2.5 years.
The bill’s reintroduction comes as consumers are feeling the squeeze of skyrocketing car repair prices. As Rep. Issa noted, the SMART Act will help keep car repairs affordable:
“According to AAA, a third of American drivers can’t afford the costs of an unexpected car repair bill without going into debt. As repair costs continue to rise, consumers deserve access to as many auto part repair options as possible. The SMART Act will increase consumer choice, encourage competition, and foster innovation to drive down the cost of expensive repairs.”
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), SMART Act Sponsor
As the first pair of federal right to repair bills introduced in 2023, the SMART Act and the REPAIR Act, which safeguards vehicle data access, are important steps forward to ensure all Americans are free to choose how and where to fix the things they own.
Read the full CAR Coalition press release HERE!
