FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Patrick Connor, Washington State Director, patrick.connor@nfib.org,
or Tony Malandra, Senior Media Manager, anthony.malandra@nfib.org

OLYMPIA, Wash., July 10, 2026—From Patrick Connor, state director for NFIB in Washington on this week’s settlement between John Deere and the Federal Trade Commission.

“NFIB was at the forefront of a multi-year legislative effort that secured the right to repair digital devices for consumers and small businesses in Washington state. That experience and the recent John Deere settlement clearly demonstrate federal action is imperative to ensuring that all Americans are free to choose whether to service and repair their vehicles, electronics, appliances, and other goods themselves, have those items serviced by a qualified independent repair shop, or take them to a dealership or other manufacturers’ authorized facility. It’s your stuff. You deserve the right to choose who repairs it.”

From NFIB’s national news release, John Deere Settlement Paves the Way for Right to Repair for Small Businesses

“This settlement is a huge win for farmers, independent repair shops, and all small businesses who rely on John Deere products in some aspect of their business,” said Mary Alex Hamby, NFIB Principal of Federal Government Relations. “Now, we have the chance to build on this incredible momentum and bring the same access to independent auto and electronic repair shops. Lawmakers have the clear opportunity to compel manufacturers to share the critical data and tools that small business repair shops need to level the playing field, lower costs, compete, and serve their customers.”

Ensuring that small businesses have equal access and opportunity to repair vehicles and electronics is a top legislative priority for NFIB in 2026. NFIB supports the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act, which would guarantee access to vehicle repair and maintenance data for independent auto repair shops. Eliminating these barriers will increase competition in the market, lower costs, and improve the quality and cost of product repair for consumers everywhere.

Keep up with the latest Washington state small business news at www.nfib.com or on X @NFIB_WA or on Facebook @NFIB.WA

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For over 80 years, NFIB has been advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member-driven association. Since our founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses and remains so today. For more information, please visit nfib.com.

NFIB Washington
111 – 21st Avenue Southwest
Olympia, WA 98501
360-786-8675
NFIB.com
Twitter: @NFIB_WA
Facebook: @NFIB.WA