Right-To-Repair Bill Unanimously Approved in the Senate
California legislators have taken the initiative to move forward with an amended right-to-repair bill which would cover electronics and appliances. This proposed law is currently being discussed in the Assembly after passing through the Senate.
In a remarkable show of unity, the right-to-repair bill was passed in the state by a landslide vote of 38-0. This groundbreaking legislation grants consumers and independent repair shops unprecedented access to parts, tools and service information needed for repairing consumer electronics and appliances.
This legislation proposes to include a wide range of appliances, including TVs, radios, computers, and photocopiers. It would also include refrigerators, freezers, ranges, microwave ovens, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and trash compactors along with air-conditioners. However, video game consoles are excluded from this bill.
“This is a huge victory for anyone who’s ever been faced with limited options when their phone, fridge or other household electronics break down,” explained CALPIRG State Director Jenn Engstrom. “It’s due time that California fixed its laws so that we can fix our stuff. For the hundreds of advocates and repair businesses and the untold number of consumers supporting Right to Repair, we’re one huge step closer to making that happen.”
A Struggle to Pass Legislation
For the last 5 years, many have been pushing for right-to-repair measures in California. Unfortunately, over the past two years, these bills were unable to pass through the Senate Appropriations Committee after major industry pushback against their adoption.
But, in the past year, New York, Colorado and Minnesota have all passed right-to-repair laws in response to a growing wave of national approval for such legislation. This has spurred an overall increase in public backing for right-to-repair laws within California.
“Advancing SB 244, the Right to Repair Act, off the Senate floor is an important milestone and a real testament to the energy and activism behind this movement,” the lead author of the bill, Sen. Susan Eggman stated.
“Enshrining access to repair in California law will help small businesses, consumers and our environment, and I’m hopeful that we can deliver that this year.”
Passage of California’s Right-to-Repair Act could be monumental for both consumers and the environment. This bill would introduce much needed competition to repair services, allowing customers more choices and potentially saving households in California roughly $5 billion per year.
It is anticipated that a longer usage of electronics will also help to minimize the volume of electronic trash disposed to California dumps, cutting down the need for further mining and fabrication. Statistics indicate that 46,000 cell phones are discarded each day in California, while 772,000 tons of electronic waste containing hazardous heavy metals are also produced annually.
“It’s great to see the California Senate stand-up for consumers and the environment over the opposition of some of the state’s largest businesses,” stated Nick Lapis, Director of Advocacy for Californians Against Waste. “Senator Eggman’s persistent advocacy and the dedicated efforts of activists will allow California to finally lead the way on creating a Right to Repair.”
Overwhelming Support of the Bill
More than 200 entities, including 82 independent repair shops, 109 local elected officials, and a plethora of environmental and consumer groups have come together in support of passing the Right-to-Repair Act. This diverse mix of backers also includes recyclers, school boards, and law professors.
“California just took a huge step toward getting us all the right to repair everything we own. We’ve made it through Big Tech’s backyard, and now we’re knocking on the front door,” asserted Elizabeth Chamberlain, Director of Sustainability for iFixit. “So, Silicon Valley: Will you support small repair businesses, fight electronic waste, and ditch the throwaway economy once and for all?”
As of 2023, legislation similar to SB 244 has been proposed or is being considered by 28 states. The state of California, which plays home to Silicon Valley, could be the one to spark a national right-to-repair crusade, should the bill get passed. This prospect alone could revitalize the whole movement nationwide.
“There is a growing movement for the Right to Repair spreading across the country, and we’ll keep working to get California to be the next state to act,” Engstrom said. “It’s common sense: the Right to Repair is an idea whose time has come.”
At this stage, further examination of the bill is set to take place in front of members of State Assembly. However, many Californians are excitedly hoping for the bill’s complete passage and potential implementation.
