Now that U.S. taxpayers hold a stake in General Motors Co. and Chrysler LLC, chances seem greater Congress will pass the latest version of a Right to Repair Act.

So says John Washbish, vice president of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Inc., a trade group pushing for legislation to require auto makers to share virtually all technical service information with independent repair shops, not just their dealers.

“We've tried for eight years to get this passed,” Washbish says here at an automotive forum at Northwood University in Midland, MI. “Lobbyists from both sides are having the most fun.”

At issue is whether auto makers by law should provide independent shops with all the codes dealership technicians use to diagnose problems, especially those involving the array of computerized systems on modern vehicles.

The bill also would require auto makers to offer the same specialized tools, training information and equipment dealerships get. The tools must be sold at “nondiscriminatory” prices, according to the bill now in committee.

Currently, repair shops have access to some but not all codes. In some repair cases involving sophisticated systems — particularly in high-end vehicles — independent shops are unable to do the work and must refer customers to dealerships.

“Independent shops need the codes so we can repair vehicles,” Washbish says. “It is necessary for that information to be available.”

Opponents of the bill say most information already is available on websites and elsewhere, such as Chilton and Mitchell repair manuals.

They argue that widespread dissemination of all repair data presents security and safety risks. For instance, they say it makes it possible for an independent technician to alter emissions and safety systems.