Right To Repair Bill Reintroduced In California

A right to repair bill has been reintroduced in California after an earlier effort to push similar legislation through failed last year. State lawmakers will once again debate promulgating right to repair legislation which will compel device manufacturers to provide tools, parts, repair manuals, and other materials to independent repair outlets and consumers interested in repairing their devices on their own.

California State Assembly member Susan Talamantes Eggman has announced the introduction of Assembly Bill 1163 which will mandate that manufacturers like Apple, for example, “make service literature and equipment or parts available to product owners and to regulated, independent repair shops.” California is thus the 20th state to propose right to repair legislation just this year. Lobbyists working on behalf of major tech companies were able to block last year’s effort.

“The Right to Repair will provide consumers with the freedom to have their electronic products and appliances fixed by a repair shop or service provider of their choice, creating a competitive market that will be cheaper for consumers and reduce the number of devices thrown in the trash,” Eggman said.

Apple is one of the companies that maintain strict control over repair policies, only allowing in-house and authorized third-party repair. It’s openly opposed to such legislation, arguing that making repair material public would reveal industry secrets while creating safety and security issues for its customers.

California residents can now reach out to their representatives to put their point of view forward, be it for or against the proposed legislation.

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