A new federal legislative proposal, the Safety as First Emphasis (SAFE) Repair Act, aims to strengthen consumer protections in the ongoing right to repair debate by ensuring independent repair facilities have access to essential vehicle data while maintaining rigorous safety standards.
The bill was proposed Feb. 18 in a letter to Congress by the Automotive Service Association (ASA), Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which are looking for sponsors in the U.S. House and Senate to formally introduce it.
The SAFE Repair Act builds upon a 2023 agreement between the same organizations that granted independent repair shops the same diagnostic and repair information available to authorized dealership networks.
The proposed legislation would codify these provisions while adding further safeguards for consumers, including the right to use OEM repair procedures, parts and tools; extending the same recall and safety protections to consumers who choose non-OEM parts; and supporting periodic safety inspection and post-collision inspection programs.
In the letter to Congress, the coalition pointed out “while…existing frameworks have created a thriving and competitive repair marketplace, we understand the desire for a federal legislative solution that addresses evolving consumer expectations and technological advancements. That’s why our three organizations have come together to propose a new path forward -- one that builds on existing protections while introducing additional measures to prioritize consumer safety and choice.”
The bill differs from the federal REPAIR Act, which sought to also guarantee a vehicle owner’s access to diagnostics and repair data, while prohibiting automakers from impairing a non-OEM parts manufacturer from producing or selling compatible aftermarket parts. That bill stalled in October 2024 when it did not receive the necessary markup from the House Energy and Commerce Committee to advance to the House floor.
Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of SCRS, told Autobody News his organization’s member shops “often don't come to us with a concern that they can't access [OEM repair] information, but rather they come to us with pressures that are placed on them” by insurance companies that don’t want to pay for all manufacturer-required procedures.
SCRS, ASA and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation developed the SAFE Repair Act to be considered instead of the REPAIR Act.
“If we’re going to oppose other bills, it’s important we also come with productive and fruitful suggestions on how we can better address the challenges in the industry…and present solutions on how we can do a better job to protect consumer choice and protect consumers’ right to have their vehicle repaired safely, following the information that's already made available to the industry,” he said.
Bob Redding, president of The Redding Firm and a lobbyist for ASA, told Autobody News the SAFE Repair Act would resolve data access issues at a federal level, ending the need for state-level bills like those passed in Massachusetts and Maine.
It would also free up organizations representing the collision repair industry to “shift the discussion” with lawmakers to more pressing needs, like increasing recruitment and education for new technicians, and establishing state safety and post-repair inspection programs.
“We want to get this done and resolved and move forward,” Redding said.
ASA Chairman Scott Benavidez said his organization worked hard with the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and SCRS to develop the bill, and they are all proud of it.
“It puts safety first and addresses many other obstacles to conducting proper repairs faced by mechanical and collision repairers,” Benavidez said in a statement. “The SAFE Repair Act empowers consumers and independent automotive repairers to make choices that return vehicles to safe operating condition.
“This legislative proposal is a huge achievement for independent automotive repairers, its customers and the public,” Benavidez added. “We look forward to working with Congress on this legislation.”
“We're excited to see this develop,” Schulenburg said. “I think it's really important that collision repairers and independent repair businesses and automakers work together on these issues, as we have to try to bring solutions to the table for the businesses we represent, but more importantly, for the customers that they serve.”
Abby Andrews