Josh Hawley’s bill would make it easier and cheaper to fix our own vehicles | Opinion

Jasper Holdings proudly supports Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley’s Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act, Senate Bill 1379. The REPAIR Act safeguards consumer choice and supports a level playing field by ensuring aftermarket suppliers can continue to provide the innovative parts, tools, and technologies essential for safe, affordable vehicle repair. This legislation strengthens the thousands of businesses and jobs that power our vital industry.

Our family of companies — with 4,600 associate owners across the country, including more than 350 in Missouri — have decades of experience keeping American families and fleets on the road. We know the needs of the transportation industry. Small and large vehicle fleets are the backbone of local and national economies. That includes the electrical, plumbing, infrastructure, communications and packaging industries. Our Willow Springs, Missouri, facility produces gas engines and automatic transmissions that are distributed nationwide. As employee-owners, our associates are building not only durable products, but also their own retirement security.

After years of inflation and supply chain disruptions, Missourians are feeling the squeeze — especially when it comes to the rising cost of vehicle ownership and repair. Independent shops and aftermarket suppliers such as Jasper Holdings offer consumers essential, affordable options. Yet, many major car manufacturers are increasingly restricting access to the diagnostic tools, software and telematics data needed to fix modern vehicles — locking out the very professionals who have long been the backbone of vehicle repair.

This growing trend threatens not just businesses like ours, but the millions of working families who rely on local, trusted repair shops. Currently, nearly 40% of vehicles have restrictions that limit independent repair, forcing consumers to rely on dealerships that are often more expensive and less convenient — especially in rural areas. Independent repair shops are, on average, 36% more affordable than dealerships and consistently rank higher in customer satisfaction.

The REPAIR Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution. It ensures secure, fair access to the tools and information necessary to repair today’s vehicles without compromising safety or privacy. By restoring competition, the REPAIR Act would lower repair costs, preserve consumer choice and protect thousands of small businesses and skilled jobs in the auto supply chain — jobs that fuel our economy and keep America moving.

We thank Sen. Hawley for championing this critical legislation. The REPAIR Act would empower independent repairers, support employee-owned companies like ours, and ensure every American — regardless of where they live or what they drive — can get reliable, affordable vehicle service from the provider they trust.

Let us keep doing what we do best: helping hardworking families fix their cars and keep moving forward.