Right to Repair legislation achieves new milestone
Bill to let Californians fix their stuff overcomes major legislative hurdle, heads to Senate floor
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday passed Sen. Susan Eggman’s (Stockton) Right to Repair Act, SB 244, sending this landmark legislation to the full state Senate for further deliberation. The bill aims to significantly expand Californians’ access to the necessary parts, tools, and service information required for repairing consumer electronics and appliances.
Overcoming this legislative hurdle represents a major triumph for the hundreds of advocates, repair businesses and consumers supporting Right to Repair. The Senate Appropriations Committee has quietly killed similar bills over the past two years after intense industry lobbying efforts against their passage.
In the past year, bills guaranteeing the Right to Repair have become law both New York and Colorado, while in Minnesota, the most comprehensive Right to Repair bill to date has passed both state houses and awaits Gov. Tim Walz’s signature. In total, 28 states have considered or are considering similar legislation in 2023. Passing SB 244 in California, the home of Silicon Valley, will likely further energize the Right to Repair movement nationwide.
In response, CALPIRG State Director Jenn Engstrom issued the following statement:
“Right to Repair is an idea whose time has come, and California is now one step closer to guaranteeing consumers’ rights to fix their own products. This is a huge victory for anyone who’s ever been faced with limited options when their phone, fridge or other household electronics break down.
“This key victory would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the diverse coalition of advocates, repair businesses, and consumers across California who support SB 244. This coalition includes 82 independent repair shops, 109 local elected officials, more than 50 environmental and consumer groups, and various other recyclers, school boards and law professors.
“CALPIRG and our coalition of passionate advocates will continue fighting for SB 244 as it heads to the Senate floor. But this committee vote is a major win for consumers that will also reduce electronic waste and promote a more sustainable future.”
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