RIGHT TO REPAIR LEGISLATION

Working Together to Make Repair-Friendly Public Policy

In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, the concept of ownership is being eroded. At the heart of this issue is the Right to Repair movement, fighting for consumers' ability to repair their own devices without facing legal or technical barriers. Surprisingly, the United States lags behind in enacting comprehensive Right to Repair laws, leaving consumers tethered to manufacturers for basic repairs. This is not just an inconvenience; it's an issue of economic, environmental, and social justice.

At least 40 states have introduced some form of Right to Repair legislation, but the fight is far from over. These laws aim to give individuals and independent repair shops the legal right to access service information, replacement parts, and software tools to fix electronic equipment—be it smartphones, tractors, or medical devices.

The Right to Repair movement is gaining traction. In the past two years alone, four states have seen successful legislative campaigns led by dedicated advocates and lawmakers. This template serves as a comprehensive guide, summarizing the key lessons and strategies that have propelled the movement forward. It's high time we ensured that consumers have the freedom to choose how to repair their own devices, rather than being held hostage by manufacturer monopolies.

States

The Repair Association advocates for Fair Repair legislation in state legislatures across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Hover over a state to read about the on a state to read a summary of the proposed or enacted legislation and to learn how to contact state legislators in support. Click on the state while hovering to make the overlay static.

Note: This map reflects the current progress of Right to Repair legislation in the United States for 2025.

$330

Repair Saves Money

American households are expected to save an average of $330 per year by repairing phones, computers, and appliances instead of purchasing new ones, addressing the financial burden placed on consumers due to restrictive repair practices by manufacturers .

84%

Repair Is Popular

There is overwhelming support for the Right to Repair in the United States, with 84% of residents surveyed backing legislation that would require manufacturers to provide the necessary tools, parts, and information for product repairs, showcasing a public demand for more repair-friendly policies .

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Repair Saves The Planet

Every day, tens of thousands of cell phones are discarded, adding to our 6.9 million tons of e-waste per year. Repairing products instead of throwing them away can help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, which can help reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere.

  • Much like insurance programs, Right to Repair laws can differ by jurisdiction but often encompass the following key aspects:

    1. Access to Diagnostic Tools: The right for consumers and independent repair shops to access the same diagnostic and repair tools that are available to the original manufacturer.

    2. Replacement Parts: Ensuring that consumers can purchase genuine replacement parts at fair market prices, either directly from the manufacturer or through third-party vendors.

    3. Software and Firmware: Granting the ability to bypass software locks that prevent repairs, as long as it doesn't infringe upon proprietary software or intellectual property rights.

    4. Documentation: Providing comprehensive repair manuals, schematics, and other documentation to facilitate effective repairs.

    5. Anti-Retaliation: Protection against voiding warranties or other retaliatory measures from manufacturers when consumers or independent shops perform repairs.

    6. Contracts: Addressing the role of unfair and deceptive contracts like EULAs that are non-negotiable and alter the intent of the purchase. The legislative focus is on combating the abusive nature of these contracts rather than the technology itself.

    7. Exemptions: Understanding that certain industries or product categories, like motor vehicles, may be exempt due to existing agreements or laws. These exemptions can inadvertently create repair monopolies and should be carefully considered.

    8. Enforcement: Utilizing the power of the state Attorney General for law enforcement and issuing fines as incentives for state-led compliance. Alternative enforcement mechanisms can also be considered.

    In states that have enacted Right to Repair laws, the legislation often involves a multi-faceted approach. It's not just about passing the law; it also includes implementing an enforcement mechanism, engaging with manufacturers for compliance, and educating consumers and repair shops about their rights and responsibilities.


    Compensation Models

    In a Right to Repair context, the 'compensation' often comes in the form of fair market pricing for replacement parts and services. Most states advocate for a pricing model that is equitable, ensuring that consumers aren't priced out of the repair market.


    Protection Measures

    To ensure that all consumers can exercise their right to repair, these laws often include clauses that protect against warranty voiding and other forms of manufacturer retaliation. This means you have the right to repair your devices without fear of losing manufacturer support or legal repercussions.

  • Understanding the evolution of Right to Repair laws remains essential for both advocates and the public. Here’s how the 2024 and 2025 legislative templates differ, highlighting new protections and clarifications for repair access:

    1. Parts Pairing: The 2025 version broadens the prohibition on parts pairing, now covering component-level identification, ensuring that both parts and board-level components can be replaced by independent repair providers or owners without reduced functionality.

    2. Embedded Software Updates: Both versions recognize the importance of embedded software in repairs. The 2025 act further details “updates,” emphasizing that OEM-provided software corrections or adjustments are essential for enabling effective diagnosis, maintenance, or repair.

    3. Access to Documentation and Tools: The 2025 template strengthens access to comprehensive repair documentation, now explicitly requiring board-level schematics, full parts lists, and detailed PCB layouts. This extension guarantees independent repair providers receive complete, actionable information without requiring contract agreements or account creation.

    4. Fair and Reasonable Terms: In 2025, the template eliminates minimum or maximum quantity requirements for parts purchasing, clarifying that any restriction impeding independent repair providers is not permitted.

    5. Enforcement: While 2024 first established Attorney General enforcement for unfair or deceptive practices, 2025 maintains this authority, ensuring remedies for non-compliance remain available at the state level.

    6. Security: The 2025 version reinforces protections around security measures, clearly stating that manufacturers are not obligated to make available materials that could disable or override anti-theft security without explicit owner authorization.

    7. Exclusions and Applicability: The 2025 act clarifies exclusions, particularly for vehicles, medical devices, and emergency safety equipment, while keeping applicability for digital equipment first manufactured and sold on or after July 1, 2015.

    8. Effective Dates: Like the 2024 Act, the 2025 Act becomes effective six months after becoming law, unless specified otherwise.

The Repair Association continues to advocate for robust legislative frameworks at both state and federal levels, as complementary state and federal laws address distinct repair barriers—whether by requiring access to repair resources at the state level or removing federal DRM limitations. This dual approach is necessary, and we actively support efforts on both fronts.

Federal Legislation and Copyright Issues: 

We’ve been very successful in removing the threat of copyright violations for most repair activities. The latest round of 1201 Exemption Requests has validated our logic and paved the way for widespread access to consumer repair.

OCTOBER 2021 Copyright Regulator Eases on Research, Education, and Repair

This round expanded and renewed exemptions already granted, and added clarity to repair of medical devices and boats. (yup - we missed asking about marine uses in the 2018 round). The Librarian approved an exemption for replacement of the optical drive on gaming equipment, but not for other parts. The 1201 process remains exasperating. We are working with legislators in Congress to create more permanent exemptions and to allow for the production of assistive repair tools.

OCTOBER 2018 US Copyright Office Enables Repair of Just About Everything

The USCO agreed with our arguments that consumers should be able to fix their stuff — even if it means someone has to break a software lock. Even better — its now legal to hire someone to help you fix your stuff.

They USCO did not agree that computer gaming stations should be open to repair — and some equipment such as planes and boats didn’t fall into the category of exemptions for “Land Based Motor Vehicles” but you can fix your home appliances, IOT Devices cell phones and computers without violating copyright law.

December 2016 : Copyright Office Study on Embedded Software and Repair

Following a full year of study, hearings, and stakeholder events, the US Copyright office published their findings.  They concluded the manufacturers are blocking repair with the false threat of copyright infringement, but the real culprit lies in contract law, particularly End User License Agreements ("EULA").  When we buy equipment we have the widespread right to repair and tinker, but once agreed otherwise, as within a EULA, the contract supersedes copyright law. Therefore, the legislative solution for unlocking repair belongs to states - which have control over general business law and contracts. 

June, 2017: COPYRIGHT STUDY ON SECTION 1201 (DRM)

The Copyright Office also conducted a separate study on the potential need to reform Section 1201 (known as "Anti-Circumvention") for Congress.  This study agreed with us that Section 1201 / DRM is a serious impediment to repair, and recommended a permanent exemption for repair and maintenance for everything except gaming equipment. 

It remains up to Congress to take up the recommendation and file legislation. 

For more details on the problems of DRM  - see #DayAgainstDRM

Regulations and Standards

August, 2017:  Repair.org Report on Electronic Recycling Standards

Repair.org members have been involved as members of standards bodies EPEAT, NSF and IEEE to promote repairability as the most effective form of electronic waste reduction possible.  After years of effort -- we have had to vote down a proposed IEEE server recycling standard as entirely lacking in leadership. 

June, 2017  Repair.org members engage with the FDA and Congress regarding repair of medical devices. 

Members IAMERS. Geisinger Health and ACCE members provided key testimony to the FDA and Congress on the challenges facing health care providers and their choice of repair services.   Repair.org filed testimony with Congress in support of independent repair.   

The Supreme Court

Repair.org filed an Amicus brief with ASCDI, EFF, Public Knowledge in support of Impression Products v Lexmark heard in the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS).  We won -- impressively.   SCOTUS ruled emphatically that manufacturers have exhausted their control over products with the initial ("first") sale.  Once sold -- they cannot tell the new owner what to do.  

Further Reading

For further information on how US copyright law hinders consumers and the right to repair, see the following resources:  

Countries

Our legislation and advocacy efforts focus on the United States, however, the movement is promoted throughout the world. Here is a map of countries that currently have a repair rights movement.