Bill > HB2121

This bill, titled the "True Ownership Act," aims to protect consumers' rights to modify their electronic equipment by preventing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) from disabling devices due to such modifications, which can include remote updates, firmware changes, or other technical alterations. An OEM is defined as a company that manufactures and sells electronic equipment. The bill clarifies that this protection does not require OEMs to reveal trade secrets, nor does it prevent them from disabling anti-theft measures without owner authorization, and it does not extend to modifications that violate federal law or to owners who are selling the equipment. Owners who are negatively impacted by an OEM disabling their equipment due to modifications can pursue civil action to recover damages of up to $1,000 per violation, with potential for triple damages if the violation is knowing or willful, and can also seek an injunction. The Attorney General can also bring enforcement actions, and civil penalties for violations range from $200 for a first offense to $600 for subsequent offenses, with collected penalties going into a consumer protection fund. The bill specifically excludes motor vehicles, medical devices, and products not available for retail sale from its provisions, and establishes a three-year statute of limitations for bringing actions.

Business and Industry

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/83756