Summary:

  • Colorado’s new right-to-repair law allows residents to repair their cell phones, computers, and other devices.
  • The law requires manufacturers like Samsung and Apple to provide documentation, software, and tools to device owners and independent repair shops at the same prices as authorized repair providers.
  • The law prohibits manufacturers from restricting replacement parts and displaying misleading alerts about parts.
  • The law passed on partisan lines, with Democrats in support and Republicans opposed, and will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
  • Exemptions to the law include video game consoles, medical devices, electric car chargers, and more.
  • Opponents of the law argue it could pose security risks and impact device reliability, while supporters believe it promotes consumer choice and reduces electronic waste.
  • Stern@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    15
    ·
    6 months ago

    “Imagine if every time your car broke down, the only option you had for repair was the dealer. That’s not a world any of us want to live in,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, a Democrat who is one of the bill’s sponsors, at an earlier committee hearing.

    About that…

    The law also excludes motor vehicles, but independent mechanics and car owners already have similar rights under a 2014 memorandum of understanding

    Not sure if a “memorandum of understanding” has the same legal force behind it the bill does. Hope so.