A new right to repair law in New York requires manufactures of original equipment to provide parts, schematics, and tools to independent repair providers & consumers. The S4104 adds to the Digital Fair Repair Act that both parties supported. Fifty-one senators in a virtual session voted for the motion, and 12 voted against the motion.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The passing of the New York “Right to Repair” bill will be on January 6th, 2022.
- Automakers are worried about the hacking of vehicles by criminals if the bill goes through.
- There are 25 states considering the “Right to Repair” law.
- The “Right to Repair” bill could allow consumers to fix their farming equipment and electronic devices.
Has the Right to Repair Bill Become Law?
There is still some time before the new bill becomes law. Firstly, it has to win the lawmaker’s approval from the New York State Assembly, looking at its version of bill A7006.
At the committee stage, bill A7006 will go through in the committee meeting on January 6th, 2022. Still a bill, the current senate approval is seen as a win for the right-to-repair community that has been victorious in the previous months.
Insider Tip
A new right to repair law in New York requires manufactures of original equipment to provide parts, schematics, and tools to independent repair providers & consumers.
This win is big for consumers and the independent small repair businesses across the state, the lower-income communities, and every person who wants to repair their devices. To get a clearer picture, have a look at the right to repair laws by state.
The States with the “Right to Repair” Law
In November 2020, voters in Massachusetts passed the right-to-repair bill into law. The bill affecting the automotive sector is coming to effect in January 2020. So, independent automotive repair shops, together with car owners, will have access to their car’s telemetric systems. This step will make it possible for people to diagnose and fix any issue with their vehicles. Here are details about the right to repair law in Massachusetts.
How Automotive Manufacturing Are Fighting Against the Law
The automotive industry spent millions on marketing campaigns that did not make an impact as they expected. All their flashy ads communicated one central message, “hackers will attach your vehicles.”
States Discussing the Right to Repair Law
New Jersey, Delaware, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania are among the 25 states considering the Right to repair laws. In addition, states like Kansas, Vermont, and Arkansas are considering agricultural equipment right-to-repair laws.
Insider Tip
In November 2020, voters in Massachusetts passed the right-to-repair bill into law.
The vote by the New York Senate communicates that other states discussing the issue can also vote to pass the popular bill into law. Once the right-to-repair bill becomes law, it will force manufactures to structure an industry-wide standard of practice.
Ideally, one of the biggest challenges facing passing the right-to-repair bill into law is the number and types of companies campaigning against it. As we have already mentioned, these companies spent millions of dollars to prevent passing the right-to-repair bill into law. The exciting thing is that despite these efforts, there is a massive optimism that this bill will be law in a few months.
F.A.Q.S
What is the Right to repair cover?
The Right to repair law only covers several electronics. Currently, the legislation covers washing machines, dishwashers, washer-dryer, Tv, electronic displays, and refrigeration appliances.
How many states have repair laws?
Since the first bill in 2014, 32 states are working on the “Right to Repair” bill.
Who began the Right to repair bill?
U.S Representative Joe Morelle of New York was the first to raise the issue in Congress.
STAT: Apple’s website mentions that the company charges $300 to replace the screen of an iPhone. (source)
REFERENCES:
Warning
