The Fair Repair Act requires 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 tools at fair and reasonable prices. The bill prohibits manufacturers from using software locks or other mechanisms to prevent repairs with non-approved parts, creating false warning messages, charging higher prices as retaliation for independent repairs, or limiting who can perform repairs. The Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general will enforce the law and can pursue civil penalties against violators, with the law taking effect 60 days after enactment. The bill notably excludes motor vehicles, medical devices, aircraft, motorcycles, and emergency response equipment from its requirements, while still allowing manufacturers to protect legitimate trade secrets and security features necessary for device functionality.
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