The Fair Repair Act would require manufacturers of digital electronic equipment to provide independent repair shops and device owners with access to repair manuals, parts, diagnostic tools, and software updates on fair and reasonable terms. The law prohibits manufacturers from using techniques like "parts pairing" software to block repairs with non-manufacturer parts, create misleading warning messages about repairs, charge higher prices for future repairs, or restrict who can perform repairs. The Federal Trade Commission would enforce the law as an unfair or deceptive practice, and state attorneys general could also bring enforcement actions and seek civil penalties and damages for violations. The law explicitly excludes motor vehicles and medical devices from its requirements but applies broadly to smartphones, computers, appliances, and other consumer electronics that contain digital components. The legislation would take effect 60 days after enactment and would apply to all equipment sold or in use on or after that date.
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