This section defines key terms related to the repair of powered wheelchairs. It explains who can be an "authorized repair provider," meaning those with permission from the wheelchair's original maker to perform repairs. "Documentation" refers to the manuals and guides for repair. "Embedded software" is the essential programming that helps the wheelchair operate. "Fair and reasonable terms" for obtaining repair tools and instructions means that these should be priced similarly to what the manufacturer offers its authorized repair partners and are often provided free, except for tangible copies. An "independent repair provider" is anyone other than the manufacturer who repairs these wheelchairs. Terms like "firmware," "original equipment manufacturer," and "tools" are also clarified, with a "powered wheelchair" specifically defined as a mobility aid for those with disabilities.

This law says that companies who make equipment must provide repair information and parts at fair terms and costs to independent repair shops or equipment owners. If the equipment has security features, companies must also give access to the tools needed to fix these security parts. However, for powered wheelchairs, there are specific parts that must be provided, like batteries and joysticks, but not parts needing special calibration or adjustments by a therapist.

If a manufacturer makes a powered wheelchair and knowingly breaks the rules set in this chapter, they can be fined up to $2,500 per wheelchair, with a first-time cap of $250,000. If the violation wasn't intentional, they might get three days to fix it without a penalty. For further violations, the fines can go up to $10,000 per wheelchair, again not over $250,000 in total. If they can't supply a part because it's out of stock, they're not fined as long as they tell the customer and provide the part once it's back in stock within three days. Violating a court order related to this law incurs a fine of up to $10,000 per breach. Anyone harmed by a violation can sue for damages, and the state or district attorney can also file suits. Cases must start within three years of the violation. If the Attorney General files the case, fines help cover costs and what's left goes to the State Treasurer. A district attorney's fines go to their county's funds.

If you're getting your device fixed by someone who isn't an authorized repair provider, they need to tell you a few things first. They'll have to explain that they aren't officially approved, and doing repairs outside of authorized providers might affect your warranty. They should fill you in on your rights under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which generally protects your warranty even if you choose an unauthenticated repair option, unless there's specific damage. Also, if they're enrolled in Medi-Cal, they can't charge you for covered services unless there's a specific cost-sharing setup.

This law section says that a manufacturer doesn't have to share trade secrets unless it's necessary to provide certain repair-related information on fair terms. They can remove trade secrets from documents as long as it doesn't affect the information's usefulness. They don't have to provide parts if they're not available anymore. The manufacturer isn't responsible for damage caused by independent repairs, like when fixing powered wheelchairs. Agreements with authorized repair providers still stand, but anything that limits the manufacturer's obligations under this law can't be enforced. Lastly, this law doesn't protect manufacturers from liability claims related to their products.

This law states that the rules in this chapter are relevant for any equipment that is either sold or used starting January 1, 2025.