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WA HB1826

WA HB1826
Establishing a right to repair for mobility equipment for persons with physical disabilities.


summary

Introduced
02/04/2025
In Committee
02/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT Relating to establishing a right to repair for mobility 2 equipment for persons with physical disabilities; and adding a new 3 chapter to Title 19 RCW. 4

AI Summary

This bill establishes a comprehensive right to repair for mobility equipment used by people with physical disabilities in Washington State. The legislation requires original equipment manufacturers (companies that make mobility devices like power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, and mobility scooters) to make documentation, parts, embedded software, firmware, and repair tools available to independent repair providers and device owners at fair and reasonable terms. The bill aims to address significant repair delays, which can negatively impact users' quality of life, employment, education, health, and safety. A recent survey found that wheelchair users often experience repair times of four to seven weeks or more. The legislation defines key terms such as "documentation," "tools," and "fair and reasonable terms," and specifies that manufacturers must provide repair resources either directly or through authorized providers. The bill includes important limitations, such as not requiring manufacturers to divulge trade secrets or provide parts no longer in production. Enforcement of the bill will be handled exclusively by the Washington State Attorney General under the Consumer Protection Act, with violations considered unfair trade practices. Manufacturers are also protected from liability for damages caused by independent repairs that are not due to design or manufacturing defects.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (13)

Last Action

House Floor Amendment - Walen 1826 AMH WALE MULV 562 (on 03/10/2025)

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