In a significant political update from Augusta, Governor Janet Mills announced that she would permit 52 out of 61 previously held bills to become law, while vetoing a key piece of legislation related to the automotive industry. The vetoed bill, LD 1228, aimed to clarify the state’s Right to Repair laws, which had been enacted through a ballot initiative two years ago.
Mills expressed her support for the majority of the recommendations from the Automotive Right to Repair Working Group that drafted LD 1228. However, she took issue with a specific provision that would have allowed automobile manufacturers to control access to vital telemetric data necessary for independent repair shops to diagnose and repair modern vehicles. According to Mills, this access is crucial for maintaining competition within the automotive service industry and ensuring consumer choice.
In her veto letter, Mills highlighted the concerns raised by numerous independent repair shop owners who feared that the bill, as written, would give manufacturers an undue advantage and restrict local businesses from performing essential services. “With this provision included, LD 1228 would undermine the existing law overwhelmingly approved by Maine voters and harm independent repair shops across the state,” she stated.
Governor Mills also remarked that a path forward exists through a pending bill, LD 292, which could enact the Working Group’s recommendations without the contentious provision. She urged lawmakers to act quickly on this matter.
Among the 52 bills approved to become law are measures aimed at limiting cooperation between Maine law enforcement and federal immigration agencies and requiring serial numbers for homemade and 3D-printed firearms. Mills emphasized the hard work of the legislature and her commitment to review each bill thoroughly.
Additionally, there is still one bill under consideration, LD 1164, which focuses on creating economic opportunities for the Wabanaki Nations through internet gaming. Mills intends to announce her decision on this bill in the following days.
The approved legislation will take effect 90 days after the next legislative session adjourns, marking the close of a session filled with complex discussions and important decisions for the state of Maine. As Mills approaches her final months as governor, her administration remains focused on collaborating with the legislature to pass laws that will have a lasting impact on the state and its residents.