Oregon’s right-to-repair bill now becomes law

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotke has signed her state’s right-to-repair bill into law, and it even comes with a provision that could make it stronger than versions in California and Minnesota. It is the first to ban (PDF) a practice called “parts matching,” which requires the use of certain proprietary components for repairs. Part matching prevents third-party repair services from replacing damaged components with components that are not native to the brand because it won’t work with the company’s software. If people try to install unauthorized parts, they often receive an error message forcing them to purchase from the company itself.

Under the new regulations, independent suppliers are prohibited from installing off-brand parts. Devices repaired with unauthorized components may also experience reduced performance. Even those error messages and warnings are not allowed. However, the parts matching ban does not cover devices that are already obsolete and only applies to any device manufactured after January 1, 2025.

While manufacturers like Apple appear to have changed their tune in recent years and now generally support the right-to-repair movement, Oregon’s parts-matching regulations remain a point of contention. Apple senior manager John Perry told lawmakers in a deposition that his company “agrees with the vast majority of Senate Bill 1596.” However, it is also concerned about the security implications of allowing replacements with unauthorized parts, such as biometric sensors.

Regardless, the ban on parts matching is now a requirement of Oregon law, along with the provision of compatible parts to device owners through companies or authorized service providers at reduced prices and without any “substantial” conditions. Companies must also provide documentation for repair shops to use on how to repair their equipment and any special tools needed to repair the equipment. These rules will apply to all mobile phones sold after July 1, 2021, and other consumer electronic devices sold after July 1, 2015.

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from Tech Empire Solutions https://techempiresolutions.com/oregons-right-to-repair-bill-now-becomes-law/
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from Tech Empire Solutions https://techempiresolutions.blogspot.com/2024/03/oregons-right-to-repair-bill-now.html
via https://techempiresolutions.com/

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