The California state government enacted a law that mandates technology companies provide parts and manuals to repair electronics. California’s Right to Repair Act, Senate Bill 244, which was cosponsored by state senator Susan Talamantes Eggman, and cosponsored by iFixit, was passed by a 65–0 vote in the Assembly and a 38–0 vote in the Senate.
California, home of Big Tech, joined Minnesota and New York, and became the third state to pass a Right-to-Repair law covering various electronics and appliances.
“The era of manufacturers’ repair monopolies is ending, as well it should be,” Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, said. “Accessible, affordable, widely available repair benefits everyone. We’re especially thrilled to see this bill pass in the state where iFixit is headquartered, which also happens to be Big Tech’s backyard. Since Right to Repair can pass here, expect it to be on its way to a backyard near you.”
Under the California legislation, “manufacturers are mandated to keep repair materials, ranging from parts and tools to software and documentation, available for extended periods post-production: three years for products within the $50-$99.99 price bracket, and seven years for those priced $100 or above,” iFixit reported. The bill will apply to electronic products manufactured and sold after July 1, 2021.
Many manufacturers said they are ready to comply with the new law which will go into effect for California and Minnesota in July 2024 and in January 2024 for New York with both Apple and HP voicing their support of California’s bill.
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