New York state passes first-ever ‘right to repair’ law for electronics

iFixit

The United States is the first country in the world to have a bill for repairing electronics. The Fair Repair Act would make tools, parts, and instructions for repair available to both consumers and independent shops if it becomes law.

The measure is expected to be signed by Governor Kathy Hochul. It will take effect after a year.

iFixit called the ruling a giant leap for repairkind in a post on their website.

People who want to fix their own stuff can now because of the passage of the bill. Now they have to compete, manufacturers used to be able to push consumers to use authorized shops.

Federal pressure resulted in the move. President Joe Biden issued an executive order last year that called on the FTC to enforce repair rights, a move that was applauded by the incoming majority Commissioners.

New York is the first state to have a right to repair bill that applies to all electronics. Colorado passed a bill ensuring repair rights for powered wheelchairs after Massachusetts passed a law that focused on automobile data. Home appliances, medical devices, and agricultural equipment are not included in the New York bill.

The law is likely to have an impact outside of New York state. It is likely that repair manuals will soon be available around the world because of the new requirement for manufacturers in New York. Changes in how electronics are designed and maintained can be led by more intrusive software measures.