Maine’s House of Representatives voted 96-44 last week to override Gov. Janet Mills’s veto of an amended Automotive Right to Repair Law — legislation that would alter independent auto repair shops’ ability to access computer diagnostics.
LD 1228, “An Act to Clarify Certain Terms in the Automotive Right to Repair Laws,” was approved in the 2025 legislative session. The original Right to Repair law was passed by statewide referendum in 2023 and became effective in January 2025 for all vehicles, new and used, sold in the state.
The newly proposed legislation includes a provision that would allow manufacturers to control how data would be accessible to independent repair shops.
The state Senate must now decide whether to support or override the veto. While no date has been set for a vote, it’s expected to take place within the month.
In a letter following her veto last week, Mills said she threw out the bill because she believes it harms local Maine auto repair shops and strays too far from the will of Maine voters.
The governor noted that the provision had not been included in a working group’s recommendations but was added at the urging of automobile manufacturers.
“The legislature has an opportunity to enact the working group’s unanimous recommendations,” Mills said, “without this controversial provision through a pending bill, LD 292, which I encourage it to do without delay.”
Tim Winkeler, president of VIP Tires & Service, told Mainebiz after the House vote to override the veto that he welcomed the governor’s action.
“I hope that the Maine House and/or Senate will read Gov. Mills’ veto letter thoughtfully and vote to uphold the veto. Maine vehicle owners deserve the Automotive Right to Repair law to be implemented as intended,” he said.
VIP is New England’s largest automotive service provider and tire dealer with more than 70 locations across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut and Massachusetts.