NY Rep Joe Morelle has introduced the Fair Repair Act, which requires device manufacturers to provide diagnostic and repair information, parts, and tools to third-party repair shops “in a timely manner and on fair and reasonable terms.” Additionally, the bill would allow the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general to carry out enforcement by penalizing violators.
The goal is to empower small businesses and consumers to be self-reliant in the ability to fix their own devices without needing to go through official manufacturer or authorized repair channels.
“For too long, large corporations have hindered the progress of small business owners and everyday Americans by preventing them from the right to repair their own equipment,” said Rep. Morelle. “This common-sense legislation will help make technology repairs more accessible and affordable for items from cell phones to laptops to farm equipment, finally giving individuals the autonomy they deserve.”
Currently, nearly half of the states have introduced R2R bills at the state-level. In June, the New York State Senate voted 51-12 to pass right to repair legislation. That bill now needs to clear the New York Assembly and the governor before becoming state law.
Apple and other manufacturers have aggressively fought right to repair legislation across the U.S. for years, citing concerns about consumer safety and device security. A right to repair bill in California, for example, was shelved after pressure from Apple and other major companies.
| NWIDA members, contact us today if you need our assistance and if you’re not yet a member, we invite you to join today. |  |
| Want news like this delivered to your inbox? Click HERE |  |
| Want news like this in your RSS feed? Click HERE |  |
| Want news like this delivered to your Alexa Flash Briefing? Click HERE |  |
| Join us on Reddit – Click HERE |  |