BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has signed into law a bill aimed at settling a dispute over whether automakers should be required to provide independent repair shops and vehicles owners with software needed to diagnose car trouble.

The Democratic governor gave final approval in a private bill signing Tuesday at the Statehouse.

The bill was passed by lawmakers on the final day of the legislative session. It represents a compromise between supporters and opponents who looked to avoid an expensive ballot question campaign over the so-called "Right to Repair," proposal.

Now, automakers have until 2018 to satisfy a requirement that all new vehicles provide easy access to onboard diagnostic and repair information. The law will also allow for the use of new types of technologies, which the industry says would allow for future innovation.