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H.R.2048 / 109th Congress

Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act of 2005

Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 14 - 13 .

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · May 3, 2005

Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act of 2005 - Requires a manufacturer of a motor vehicle sold or introduced into commerce in the United States to disclose to the vehicle owner or to a repair facility of the motor vehicle owner's choosing the information necessary to diagnose, service, or repair the vehicle. Sets forth protections for trade secrets. Instructs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe a uniform methodology for manufacturer disclosure in writing and on the Internet. Prohibits the FTC from prescribing rules that interfere with the authority of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding motor vehicle emissions control diagnostics systems. States that manufacturer noncompliance with this Act constitutes an unfair method of competition and an unfair or deceptive act or practice affecting commerce within the purview of the Federal Trade Commission Act.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Barton, Joe [R-TX-6] · R–TX

Committees

  • Energy and Commerce Committee
107 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 14 - 13 .

  2. Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  3. Subcommittee Hearings Held.

  4. Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.

  5. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

  6. Introduced in House

  7. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Aug 15, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.2048 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.2048 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.2048 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.2048 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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