Gluesenkamp Perez, Morelle, Luján Introduce the Fair Repair Act

Last week, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Rep. Joe Morelle (NY-25) introduced the Fair Repair Act. The legislation would guarantee consumers and small businesses a right to repair their own products by requiring manufacturers to make diagnostic repair information, parts, and tools readily available.

Currently, many electronics manufacturers require that repairs, or parts to complete a repair, be made by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) itself or through one of their authorized vendors, making the process costly and burdensome for consumers. The Fair Repair Act will require OEMs to make diagnostic and repair information, parts, and tools available to third-party repairers and owners in a timely manner and on fair and reasonable terms, helping consumers and repair shops avoid unnecessary and costly delays while also reducing waste.

The Fair Repair Act could reduce household spending on electronics by 22 percent, leading to a savings of around $330 per year for each family and approximately $40 billion of total savings nationally per year, according to U.S. PIRG.

“It’s our American ethos that we know how to fix and be good stewards of our belongings. Yet, in many cases, companies make it a pain, or even impossible, for us to make simple repairs like replacing a phone or laptop battery – or get our devices fixed where we want,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “In rural communities like mine, it can take hours to drive to an authorized retailer or Apple Store for a repair. The Fair Repair Act would empower folks with the right to fix their own stuff or take it to the shop they want – which will make repairs quicker, easier, and less expensive.”

“Large corporations have continually hindered the progress of small business owners and everyday Americans by preventing them from the right to repair their own equipment. It’s time to level the playing field,” said Rep. Joe Morelle. “I’m proud to introduce the Fair Repair Act alongside Senator Luján to put the power back where it belongs: in the hands of consumers. This common-sense legislation will help make technology repairs more accessible and affordable for items like cell phones, laptops, and more, finally giving individuals the autonomy they deserve.”

“For far too long, the wealthiest and largest corporations have made it harder for ordinary Americans to repair consumer products. Consumers who might choose to take their items to a third-party repair shop are finding it harder and harder to do so. Barriers to repair cost can cost a family over $1000 a year,” said Sen. Ben Ray Luján. “This legislation will make it easier and more affordable for Americans to seek tech repairs for items like phones, laptops, and other devices. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Congressman Morelle to give power back to the consumers.”

“Equipment manufacturers are imposing unfair restrictions on agricultural machinery repair, costing farmers time and money. Each season, farmers face tight harvest and planting windows, not to mention tight margins, and simply cannot afford limited and unreasonably expensive equipment repair costs,” said Rob Larew, President of the National Farmers Union. “We are proud to support the Fair Repair Act to expand repair choices for farmers, ranchers, and all consumers.”

“You should be able to fix your stuff. Fixing things saves consumers money, and helps reduce electronic waste,” said Nathan Proctor, Senior Director of the U.S. PIRG Campaign for the Right to Repair. “Thanks to leaders in the states, from both sides of the aisle, more and more Americans have protections to ensure they can repair their products. Everyone in the country deserves those same rights, from families, to farmers, schools to small businesses.”

Full text of the bill is available here.