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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 10, 2021 08:27 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Russ Diamond |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Right to Repair legislation |
| In the near future, I will be introducing legislation which would require original equipment manufacturers of electronics and appliances that contain embedded software (i.e. phones, washers, dryers, refrigerators, televisions, laptops, of hospital equipment, tractors) to make available to consumers and independent repair shops the information and parts they need to repair those devices and fully disclose any contract provision standing in the way of full repair and reuse. Many manufacturers make it impossible, whether inadvertently or intentionally, for consumers or independent repair technicians to repair their products. This leaves consumers with few options other than to buy new. Modern repairs involve electronics and repairing those products requires parts, firmware access and tooling specifications from the product designers. The knowledge and tools to repair and refurbish products should be distributed as widely and freely as the products themselves. Creating an economy around extending the lifespan of manufactured goods will create jobs and will also benefit the environment through less e-waste, which is fast becoming a problem in many areas of the Commonwealth. Product owners deserve the ability and right to repair products they have purchased, or to have them serviced at the independent repair facility of their choice. Please join me in co-sponsoring this consumer-friendly legislation. |
Introduced as HB1152