The news: California's right-to-repair bill, SB 244, unanimously passed the state Senate and is now progressing to the State Assembly for further consideration. If approved and signed into law, the bill would offer Californians more access to tools, parts, and information needed to repair their own electronics and other devices, or seek third-party repairs. What it means: 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. Advocates argue that supporting the right to repair enhances accessibility for individuals to fix their own devices and equipment, ultimately promoting sustainability and curbing waste. Where to see the impact: The movement is gaining momentum in the U.S. California may soon join Minnesota, Massachusetts, Colorado, and New York in implementing its own rules, albeit with some compromises in New York's version. So far this year, similar legislation covering a broad range of products has been introduced in 29 states, as reported by PIRG. Still: Opponents argue the laws do have drawbacks. Management Science research suggests the laws could cause manufacturers to flood the market with cheap goods, harming the environment, or raise their prices, harming consumers.
|
