This week, Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced the “Fair Repair Act” to protect consumers’ right to repair their own electronic products. The bill is the Senate companion to Rep. Joe Morelle’s (D-NY) “Fair Repair Act.”
As consumer devices have increased in complexity, the inability to repair a device without using specialized tools or software has limited the right to repair. Device manufacturers have often restricted access to repair tools, forcing consumers to use the manufacturer’s overpriced official repair channels or purchase a newer device. The bill further secures the right to repair by helping consumers gain access to the tools they need to actually repair their devices – and on the same terms that device manufacturers offer their own authorized repair contractors.
The following can be attributed to Kathleen Burke, Policy Counsel at Public Knowledge:
“The right to repair is about more than just guaranteeing a legal right under the law; it is also about making sure that consumers can exercise that right. This bill helps consumers obtain what they need to perform repairs and access competitive repair services.
“Supply chain issues, environmental concerns, and trade restrictions have made it even more important that we allow consumers to actually repair their devices. With the current global uncertainty, it is more important than ever that we find ways to extend the life of our devices.
“We applaud Sen. Lujan for going beyond securing the legal right to repair and ensuring that consumers are able to access the tools they need to repair their devices. We look forward to working together to secure the right to repair for all consumers.”
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