FTC attorney Dan Salsburg testified in support of SB 244 before the state Senate Judiciary Committee last month, noting that the agency looked into the industry’s claims and found no evidence that independent fix-it businesses are more likely to misuse customer data than authorized shops. It’s a lot of hot air, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Perhaps Portantino was influenced by the tech and manufacturing industries that argue giving consumers more repair options threatens product safety and intellectual property rights, and risks customer data privacy. That is, if it gets through its next hurdle in the Senate Appropriations Committee, where two right-to-repair bills have stalled in the last two years without explanation from its chairman, Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton) - a sweeping proposal that would include most consumer electronics and appliances.

California could be the second this year if the Legislature passes Senate Bill 244 by Sen. Last year, New York became the first state to pass a right-to-repair law for electronic devices. Public Interest Research Group, one of the main consumer groups behind right-to-repair laws, estimates that consumers could save as much as $40 billion every year if they were able to extend the useful lives of electronics and appliances by 50%. But they don’t if those things have digital components Opinion Editorial: We should have the right to fix our own stuffĬonsumers should have the authority and tools to fix the stuff they own. Right-to-repair laws, which have popped up around the country in recent years, require product manufacturers to provide consumers and independent repair shops reasonable access to repair manuals, parts and software so they have more options when products break. It’s more profitable for manufacturers too to sell new versions every couple of years, rather than just a few parts to fix the older models. In the end, it’s easier and often cheaper to buy a replacement TV, smartphone or desktop printer. Instead, consumers are often required to schlep to one of a few authorized repair shops, which may charge prohibitively high repair fees, or mail the product back to the manufacturer.

As consumer products have become more digital, manufacturers have used technology to make it difficult, if not impossible, for consumers to repair malfunctioning appliances and electronics themselves or with a local fix-it shop. You may be wondering why you need a law to ensure you can fix the things you own. It’s called right to repair, and there’s a bill in Sacramento that could turn this policy into reality in California.

In fact, it could save consumers time and money, while encouraging the growth of local businesses. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix that doesn’t involve shutting down Amazon, ushering in higher inflation or banning anything.

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