The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) this week urged lawmakers to reject House Bill 301, the Digital Fair Repair Act, warning that the legislation still creates serious risks for manufacturers, customers and connected devices even after recent amendments.

Matt Koppitch, OMA legal counsel and partner at Bricker Graydon Wyatt, testified on behalf of OMA before the House Technology and Innovation Committee, warning that the bill could force original equipment manufacturers to share repair tools and documentation in ways that weaken cybersecurity protections and expose proprietary technology.

OMA warned that the bill could undermine authorized repair networks, increase the risk of counterfeit or poorly calibrated parts, and create new safety and operational concerns for connected devices and industrial equipment. House Bill 301 also would create a private cause of action, raising the risk of class litigation and enhanced damages.

“Right to repair should not become a right to reverse engineer,” said James Lee, OMA managing director of public policy services. “Manufacturers support safe, reliable repairs, but HB 301 goes too far by exposing sensitive technology, weakening quality controls and inviting more litigation.” 5/19/2026