Washington Consumers Will Gain 'Right To Repair' Cellphones, Other Electronics (seattletimes.com)
- Reference: 0177816939
- News link: https://hardware.slashdot.org/story/25/05/27/2054248/washington-consumers-will-gain-right-to-repair-cellphones-other-electronics
- Source link: https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/wa-consumers-will-gain-right-to-repair-cellphones-other-electronics/
> Washington is joining a [1]growing list of states trying to tear down barriers for consumers who want to repair their electronics rather than buy new ones. Gov. Bob Ferguson last week signed the state's new "Right to Repair" policy, [2]House Bill 1483 , into law. It was a yearslong effort to get the law approved. "This is a win for every person in Washington state," said the bill's prime sponsor, Rep. Mia Gregerson, D-SeaTac.
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> 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. And those restrictions, the FTC found, 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. Washington's new law would largely outlaw this tactic.
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> Starting Jan. 1, 2026, the law will require manufacturers to [3]make tools, parts and documentation needed for diagnostics and maintenance available to independent repair businesses . The requirement applies to digital electronics, like computers, cellphones and appliances, sold in Washington after July 1, 2021. Manufacturers won't be able to use parts that inhibit repairs. The state attorney general's office could enforce violations of the new law under the Consumer Protection Act.
[1] https://news.slashdot.org/story/25/02/25/036255/all-50-states-have-now-introduced-right-to-repair-legislation
[2] https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=1483&Year=2025&Initiative=false
[3] https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/wa-consumers-will-gain-right-to-repair-cellphones-other-electronics/
I want replaceable batteries (Score:2)
Mandatory of course. I have a Android tablet that is basically garbage because they used a weird battery for it and I can't obtain it. I found a few candidates online but there's no guarantee the battery would work and it was almost as expensive as buying another tablet.
I did replace that generic Android tablet with a Samsung one and I'm hoping that when the battery goes over there I can at least get a replacement since it's a brand name but who knows?
Batteries should be easily replaceable and use s
Re: (Score:2)
I agree. Non-replaceable batteries are the worst invention since social media. It's corporations not even being coy about planned obsolescence.
This law should go nationwide (Score:2)
I would stand in line all night to buy a phone I can can take apart with a screwdriver and repair myself
Re: (Score:2)
I'm afraid that won't happen. Something even worse is going to happen: federal preemption.
From the US constitution:
"This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the Supreme law of the land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding."
Federal law being the "Supreme law o
Re: (Score:2)
A Pine Phone is just what you’re looking for. [1]https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/P... [ifixit.com]
[1] https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Pine64+PinePhone+Battery+Replacement/146110
Crumbs (Score:2)
These are mere crumbs.
We need the DMCA and all similar legislation repealed and the right to reverse-engineer enshrined in law. It's the only way to ensure competition and success based on merit rather than lock-in.
but they can still fuck you with cars? (Score:2)
but they can still fuck you with cars?