The Right to Repair movement is developing strong momentum

The Right to Repair movement is developing strong momentum

31. Mai 2023 0 Von Horst Buchwald

The Right to Repair movement is developing strong momentum

San Francisco, 5/31/2023

California’s Right to Repair Bill, SB 244, was passed unanimously by the state Senate and will now be referred to the State Assembly for further consideration.

If the bill is passed and passed into law, it would give Californians more access to the tools, parts, and information they need to repair their own electronics and other devices, or have repairs performed by a third party.

Background:

The Right to Repair movement advocates for laws that require companies like Apple, John Deere and Microsoft to provide access to repair tools, parts and information at a fair price. Proponents argue that supporting the right to repair improves accessibility for individuals to repair their own devices and equipment, ultimately promoting sustainability and reducing waste.

Where to see the impact: The movement is gaining momentum in the US. California could soon implement its own rules along with Minnesota, Massachusetts, Colorado and New York, albeit with some compromises in the New York version. So far this year, 29 states have introduced similar laws for a wide range of products, PIRG reports.

Opponents claim the laws have downsides. Management science research suggests that the laws could result in manufacturers flooding the market with cheap goods, harming the environment, or raising prices, harming consumers.