Senate bill 1596 signed into law by Governor Kotek requires someone “that makes electronic items for consumers to give to those who look at, maintain or fix the items what they need to maintain or fix the items.” 

The bill allows the state to fine people who violate the Act.

Those opposed to the measure shared a concern similar to Dustin Brighton, Director, Repair Done Right Coalition’s testimony;

“Manufacturers want to ensure that their products are serviced by professionals who understand the intricacies of their products and have spent time procuring the
knowledge necessary to safely repair them and return them to consumers without compromising those standards or undermining the safety and security of their
products.”

The majority of those in favor presented their support mainly as an attempt to reduce the amount of electronic items going into the garbage.

California passed a similar bill in 2023.  It found an unlikely ally in Apple, a company notorious for not sharing any technology or repair information with end use consumers. 

In a statement they said  “Apple supports California’s Right to Repair Act so all Californians have even greater access to repairs while also protecting their safety, security, and privacy,” Apple said in a statement to The Verge. “We create our products to last and, if they ever need to be repaired, Apple customers have a growing range of safe, high-quality repair options.”

Google has also shown support by extending software support on some of their Pixel phones.

For those people that have been stymied by some companies not sharing methods or tools needed to effect their own repairs this bill seems a win.

But, information lacking in the testimonies is the actual will to repair items or liability for those that do repair items poorly and sell them on to others.

Some say the impact on slowing disposal would seem minimal as most consumer electronics aren’t worth the time or money to repair-even with dozens of YouTube videos available for nearly any electronic device that exists.

Voting yes were Senator Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City) and Representative David Gomberg (D-Otis). Effective date is January 1, 2025.