The Right to Repair Act clears final legislative hurdle, goes to Governor Kotek’s desk

When your smartphone or other tech devices break, you should be able to easily get them fixed. But oftentimes, the manufacturer or their authorized service provider are the only ones with access to the necessary parts, tools and manuals, making repair difficult and expensive.

In Oregon, that’s all about to change. 

On Monday, the Oregon legislature passed the Right to Repair Act (Senate Bill 1596), which requires manufacturers to provide Oregonians and small businesses access to the parts, tools and service information we need to repair personal electronics and household appliances. This will help Oregonians save money, support small businesses, protect consumers, close the digital divide and keep these devices in use for longer, conserving precious natural resources and preventing waste. 

“Oregon’s Right to Repair Act is about saving Oregonians money and supporting small business growth in Oregon. It provides positive environmental action by reducing e-waste, cutting pollution by manufacturing less waste and creating an after-market inventory of products to close the digital divide across our state”, said Senator Janeen Sollman, the Chief Sponsor in the Senate.  “Oregonians deserve to have affordable and sustainable options for repairing their electronics instead of throwing them away or replacing them.”

“As a tech industry leader, Oregon is no stranger to innovation. I’m proud that we’re moving forward on an innovation even more critical than a new gadget: the right to fix our electronic devices,” said Charlie Fisher, OSPIRG state director,  “By eliminating manufacturer restrictions, the Right to Repair will make it easier for Oregonians to keep their personal electronics running. That will conserve precious natural resources and prevent waste. It’s a refreshing alternative to a ‘throwaway’ system that treats everything as disposable.”

“Oregon has a proud history of passing forward thinking policies that help Oregonians steward and respect the resources that go into making the products we use everyday,” said Celeste Meiffren-Swango, state director of Environment Oregon. “The Oregon legislature is building on that legacy by passing the Right to Repair Act today, and we look forward to Governor Kotek signing this important bill.”

The Right to Repair Act is now heading to Governor Kotek’s desk for signature.