Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek passed one of the nation’s strongest right-to-restoration bills weeks ago by a nearly 3-1 margin in the state Legislature and has now signed it into law. Oregon’s SB 1596, which takes effect next year, joins similar laws introduced in Minnesota and California, would require device manufacturers to allow consumers and independent electronics businesses to purchase the parts and equipment needed to repair devices themselves.
However, Oregon’s rule is the first to ban “parts matching,” a practice used by manufacturers to prevent replacement components from working unless the company’s software approves them. These protections also prevent manufacturers from using part pairings to reduce device functionality or performance, or from displaying any misleading warning messages about unofficial components installed within the device. Current devices are not covered by the ban, which only applies to devices manufactured after January 1, 2025.
“We need to reduce the crazy cycle of personal electronics, and that starts with authorized repairs,” Nathan Proctor, senior director of rights-to-repair campaigns at the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), said in a statement. “Oregon’s nation-leading right-to-repair law will keep equipment in working order and out of the scrap heap.”
Much like the laws in Minnesota and California, Oregon’s other right-to-repair rules only apply to phones sold after July 1, 2021, or other consumer electronics devices sold after July 1, 2015. Equipment, agricultural equipment, HVAC equipment, video game consoles and energy storage systems — are completely excluded from Oregon’s rules.
According to iFixit, “The exemption list is a map of the most powerful anti-repair lobby and the next frontier for the movement.” However, iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens also said in a statement, “This law, which applies to most products manufactured after 2015, will provide fixes for problems Oregonians need fixed now. By restricting repair practices that limit the pairing of parts, it protects repairs for years to come. Everywhere We will not stop fighting until everyone has these rights.”
Another similarity between Oregon and California right-to-repair laws is that both urge manufacturers to provide consumers and repair shops with any documentation, tools, parts and software needed to repair their equipment without charging exorbitant fees. cost. However, while California law requires such support for devices over $100 for seven years after production, Oregon does not mandate such a period.