Bill > H5246

This bill establishes a Digital Electronics Right to Repair Act that would require original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to provide independent repair providers and device owners with documentation, parts, and tools necessary for repairing digital electronic equipment sold in the state on or after January 1, 2026. The legislation mandates that OEMs make these repair resources available on "fair and reasonable terms," which includes providing materials at costs equivalent to those offered to authorized repair providers, without imposing unnecessary restrictions. The bill prohibits manufacturers from using "parts pairing" or other mechanisms to prevent the installation of non-manufacturer approved parts, inhibit device functionality, create misleading alerts, or limit who can perform repairs. Key definitions are provided for terms like "digital electronic equipment," "independent repair provider," and "tools," ensuring clarity in the law's application. The bill allows the state's attorney general to enforce these provisions under existing unfair trade practice statutes, while also including limitations to protect manufacturers' trade secrets and prevent potential misuse. Importantly, the law does not require manufacturers to disable anti-theft security measures or provide parts that are no longer available, striking a balance between consumer repair rights and manufacturer interests.

Business and Industry

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