For Immediate Release: January 28, 2026
For More Information, Contact: Joseph Fulgham, 302-744-4184
A bill introduced in the Delaware General Assembly this week seeks to break new ground in the Right-to-Repair movement.
The Delaware Marine Equipment Right to Repair Act (House Bill 279) is sponsored by State Rep. Rich Collins (R-Millsboro) and State Sen. Russell Huxtable (D-Harbeson, Lewes, Dewey Beach). The bipartisan legislation would require the makers of boats, engines, and any specialized machinery, parts, tools, and technical systems installed on or used in conjunction with vessels, to provide fair and reasonable access to the parts, tools, software, and documentation needed to conduct repairs.
If enacted, the bill would be the first right-to-repair state law focused on marine equipment.
Over the last decade, lawmakers in most states have introduced some form of right-to-repair legislation. The growing interest has been driven by consumer backlash as manufacturers have increasingly erected barriers to device repair, forcing owners to use company service centers, parts, and technicians. Consumers say they should be able to work on their own property and that monopolizing repairs has increased costs, lengthened delays, and forced them to purchase new equipment.
The focus and scope of right-to-repair bills have varied widely. Thus far, at least six states have enacted such laws: California, Colorado, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, and Massachusetts. Right-to-Repair proposals most often address consumer electronic devices, such as cell phones, but farm equipment, automobiles, and home appliances have also been targeted.
Equipment and device makers have maintained that allowing third parties to repair their products would expose proprietary information and risk the disclosure of trade secrets, which could damage their businesses. In the case of engines and vehicles, critics of right-to-repair laws, including federal government agencies, have claimed that facilitating third-party access would allow equipment owners to bypass features required for compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
“Delawareans have a long history of being able to repair their own cars, boats, and tractors,” Rep. Collins said. “I’ve spent countless hours in my own workshop doing all these tasks. Even as technology changes, our do-it-yourself heritage shouldn’t. In our state, especially Sussex County, marine equipment is vital to our economy, supporting both occupations and recreation. With people being increasingly squeezed financially, we need to preserve their right to fix their own property.”
Sen. Huxtable, the prime Senate sponsor of the proposal, had similar reflections on the legislation. “Delaware’s marine industry is essential to our coastal economy, yet too many boat owners and operators are being forced into monopolized repair systems that drive up cost and limit choices,” he said. “With HB 279, I’m proud to partner with Rep. Collins to apply those lessons to the marine industry. This bill is about consumer protection – giving people the power to repair, maintain, and operate their equipment without being subject to price gouging or unfair, monopolized pricing.”
House Bill 279 is pending action in the House Transportation Committee.
