What you should know
– The Right to Repair Act has been signed into law in California.
– The law aims to make it easier for owners to repair their devices themselves or take them to independent repair shops.
– California is the third state to endorse the Right to Repair Act, following Minnesota and New York.
– The law covers electronics and appliances costing $50 or more, with different requirements for different price ranges.
– Companies that fail to comply with the law will be fined.
– Exemptions to the law include game consoles, alarm systems, and agricultural and forestry equipment.
– The law is seen as a victory for consumers and the environment.
Full Story
In a surprising turn of events, Apple-endorsed Right to Repair Act has been signed into law in California in less than 60 days. The bill, which was originally introduced in the state in 2019, has been opposed by Apple for four years. Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of SB 244 now makes California the third state after Minnesota and New York to endorse the Act nationwide.
The Right to Repair Act aims to empower device owners to easily repair their devices themselves or take them to independent repair shops. With California being one of the world’s largest economies and representing almost 20% of the US population, this bill, co-sponsored by iFixit, may have far-reaching effects across the country. California State Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman, who has been working on the bill for years, expressed her excitement over the signing and praised the advocates and manufacturers involved.
According to iFixit, “The tech revolution started here in California, so it’s appropriate that we’re working to fix the problems of Big Tech here, too.” The Act will provide independent repair shops with access to original parts, tools, and documentation, enabling them to compete again. It will also give Californians the freedom to repair their devices as they see fit.
Under the new law, all electronics and appliances sold in the state for $50 or more after July 1, 2021, will be covered. Tech devices priced between $50 and $99 will have replacement parts, tools, and documentation available for three years, while anything over $100 in value will be covered for seven years. Noncompliant companies will face fines of up to $5,000 per day per violation.
There are, however, some exemptions to the law. Game consoles, alarm systems, and agricultural and forestry equipment are not covered. CALPIRG (California Public Interest Research Group) has hailed the new law as a victory for consumers and the environment, emphasizing the need to reduce waste and promote longevity in product usage.
