U.S. Rep. Joe Barton (R.-Texas), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has introduced new legislation that is a scaled-back version of last year's Motor Vehicle Owner's Right to Repair Act. The new measure, HR 2048, does not include several controversial provisions contained in the 2004 version. Eliminated provisions include private right of action, part information, and vague federal trade commission enforcement.

The legislation is unnecessary, according to the Automotive Service Association. "ASA's service information agreement with the automakers is working, and the voluntary approach is much more effective than a process regulated by the federal government in Washington, D.C.," said Ron Pyle, ASA president and chief staff executive. "Recognizing that some part distributors favor government regulation, we believe that Chairman Barton has done a good job ensuring that this legislation is less contentious in that regard than previous bills."