Washington state has passed a ‘Right to Repair’ law, making it easier for consumers to repair their electronics rather than replace them. Signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson, the bill (House Bill 1483) requires manufacturers to provide tools, parts, and documentation for repairs to independent repair businesses, starting in 2026. The law aims to reduce costs for consumers and address disparities affecting low-income and minority communities.
In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission reported that consumers with broken electronics don’t have much choice but to replace them because repairs require specialized tools, unique parts and inaccessible proprietary software. These restrictions disproportionately burden communities of color and low-income communities. Some companies engage in a practice called ‘parts pairing’ that can make replacing parts of a device impossible. The new law in Washington would largely outlaw this tactic.
Under the new law, manufacturers will not be able to use parts that inhibit repairs, and the state attorney general’s office could enforce violations of the new law under the Consumer Protection Act. The law applies to digital electronics, like computers, cellphones and appliances, sold in Washington after July 1, 2021. This policy is part of a growing trend as more states consider similar legislation to promote consumer rights and sustainability in the electronics industry.