Russell Brandom writing for The Verge:
The New York state legislature has passed the United States’ first “right to repair” bill covering electronics. Called the Fair Repair Act, the measure would require all manufacturers who sell “digital electronic products” within state borders to make tools, parts, and instructions for repair available to both consumers and independent shops.
New York state passes first-ever ‘right to repair’ law for electronics
Makers of “digital electronic equipment” sold in New York must make available (on fair terms) “documentation, parts, and tools” required for “diagnosis, maintenance, or repair.”
“Digital electronic equipment” is defined as any product with a value over $10 that depends for its functioning on “digital electronics.”
If an electronic lock prevents the repair, makers need to allow the device to be unlocked.
And there are a bunch of limitations:
- no need to reveal trade secrets;
- no need to provide for “modification” purposes;
- no need to provide for home appliances with embedded digital electronic products such as refrigerators, ovens, etc.;
- does not apply to motor vehicles, medical devices, off-road equipment.
You can read the full law here.