Bills · HR 5039
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 5039Commerce
Wheelchair Right to Repair Act
INTRO AUG 26· LAST ACTION AUG 26
READING
12MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because powered mobility devices are essential for the independence and quality of life for many Americans with disabilities. When these devices break, users often face long wait times for repairs, high costs, and limited repair options because manufacturers control access to necessary parts, tools, and information. A broken wheelchair isn't just an inconvenience; it can mean a loss of mobility, access to work, healthcare, and social activities.
If this bill becomes law, it would empower device owners and independent repair shops, fostering a more competitive repair market. This could lead to more affordable and timely repairs, ensuring that individuals relying on these devices can maintain their independence. Without this bill, the current situation of limited repair options, high costs, and long delays for essential mobility devices is likely to continue, leaving many vulnerable.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Creates an exception to copyright law (specifically the Digital Millennium Copyright Act) allowing individuals and independent repair providers to bypass digital locks on powered mobility devices for repair purposes.
This removes a significant legal barrier that prevents owners and third-party repairers from accessing and diagnosing issues with device software.
PROVISION 02
Requires original equipment manufacturers to make all necessary documentation, parts, embedded software, firmware, and other tools available to owners and independent repair providers for diagnosis, maintenance, or repair.
This ensures that anyone fixing a powered mobility device has access to the same resources as authorized service centers, fostering competition and accessibility.
PROVISION 03
Mandates that manufacturers make tools available to disable and reset security-related functions (like electronic security locks) on these devices when needed for repair.
This prevents security features from being used as a justification to block legitimate repairs by independent parties.
PROVISION 04
Requires manufacturers to notify owners and independent repair providers of their repair rights under this act and establish a public process for requesting repair resources within 90 days of the act's enactment.
This ensures transparency and a clear pathway for individuals and shops to exercise their new right to repair.
PROVISION 05
Establishes enforcement mechanisms, allowing the Federal Trade Commission and State Attorneys General to bring civil actions against manufacturers who violate these provisions, including seeking civil penalties and damages.
This provides a legal avenue to hold manufacturers accountable and ensure compliance with the bill's requirements.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· Florida
YRS IN OFFICE
3
BILLS LED
27
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 1 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSAUG 26
Introduced in House
AUG 26
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 5039
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedAug 26, 2025
Last actionAug 26, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED AUG 26, 2025
House BillHR 5039Commerce
Wheelchair Right to Repair Act
INTRODUCED AUG 26, 2025· LAST ACTION AUG 26, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
12 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
