Suppose you look at the “Right to Repair” laws by state. In that case, more than 14 states are currently introducing and discussing potential right to repair laws. For instance, New Jersey raised its “Right to Repair” bill in 2020. Other states debating these laws include Florida, Delaware, Maryland (House and Senate), Massachusetts, Montana (has farm equipment bill and another bill for all electronic equipment), Oregon, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Washington, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and South Carolina.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- In 2021, the right to repair law is currently in discussion in 14 states.
- Montana is discussing two bills, one for equipment and another one for electronic devices.
- Farmers in 2021 are doubling down on the “Right to repair” laws.
Additionally, lawmakers in some states will introduce other new bills, and legislators in other states are drafting complementary bills. This year, we will see many efforts by legislators and other stakeholders who are gearing to mobilize and build coalition support in these states. These efforts require a lot of coordination. For more insight, read about the right to repair initiative in Florida.
The Benefit Consumers Get from Right to Repair Laws
According to Alex DeBellic, a Right to Repair Campaign associate, when families repair their products and use them for long, they will save $40 billion. This figure translates to $330 for each family per year. The push by legislators and other stakeholders to pass these bills in different states greatly benefits communities as they gear up to recover from the pandemic. You might have seen these efforts in your local TV stations due to the massive sensitization efforts going around the country.
Insider Tip
Suppose you look at the “Right to Repair” laws by state. In that case, more than 14 states are currently introducing and discussing potential right to repair laws.
Farmers are Heavily Supporting the Right to Repair
In early 2018, the farming equipment industry promised American farmers that by 2021, they would have a “Right to Repair solution.” Unfortunately, we are already in the second half of 2021, and the solution is not available. As a result, farmers are dissatisfied with the current offering of tools. This status has led farmer organizations to step up their advocacy on the right to repair laws.
Washington State House Committee Hears Right to Repair Discussions
The current ongoing discussion by the Washington State House Committee earlier in July 2021 is on Consumer Protection and Business. Although there is no action, the monopolization of tools, parts, and information is causing a lot of despair to farmers. Have a look at some of these details from the right to repair legislation in New York.
Insider Tip
According to Alex DeBellic, a Right to Repair Campaign associate, when families repair their products and use them for long, they will save $40 billion. This figure translates to $330 for each family per year.
F.A.Q.S
Who was behind the Question 1 (2020) campaign?
The “Yes” campaign supporters were top donors like Auto Care Association, Auto Zone, Genuine Parts Company, Advance Auto Parts, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and Automotive Repair Equality. On the other side, the “No” campaign supporters were Toyota Motor North Africa, General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Nissan North America Inc, and American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
When did Massachusetts first adopt the “Right to Repair” law?
In Massachusetts, the Question 1(2012) initiative, the first “right to repair” law became low on November 26th, 2013. And it was signed and approved by the Massachusetts General Assembly.
What are the challenges of repairing your products?
Lack of technical know-how, lack of time, and the inability to disassemble product parts because of the design of the gadgets.
STAT: According to the U.S PIRG report, the smartphone market in America consumes about 23.7 million tons of raw material. (source)
REFERENCES:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronics_right_to_repair#:~:text=The%20right%20to%20repair%20electronics,use%20only%20their%20offered%20services.
- https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/house-bill/1449
- https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-introduces-fair-repair-actr
- https://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5618&context=flr
- https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e449c8c3ef68d752f3e70dc/t/5ea8a6d93b485d0feb9b5d6b/1588111098207/Report_RightToRepair_HanleyKellowayVaheesan-1.pdf
