To require original equipment manufacturers of digital electronic equipment to make available certain documentation, diagnostic, and repair information to independent repair providers, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · May 23, 2024
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
The Fair Repair Act would require manufacturers of digital electronics—such as smartphones, computers, and appliances—to provide independent repair shops and device owners with access to repair documentation, parts, and diagnostic tools on fair and reasonable terms. The bill prohibits manufacturers from using software locks or other mechanisms to prevent repairs with non-approved parts, display misleading warnings about repairs, or charge higher prices to customers who use independent repair services. The Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general would enforce the law, treating violations as unfair or deceptive business practices and allowing them to pursue civil penalties and damages. The legislation would take effect 60 days after passage and applies to equipment sold after that date, though it specifically excludes motor vehicles, medical devices, and authorized manufacturer repair networks. This change would give consumers and independent repair providers greater freedom to fix their devices without relying solely on expensive manufacturer service centers.
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