The Washington State House of Representatives voted 58-38 in favor of the Fair Repair Act (HB 1392) on Saturday, Mar. 4, 2023.
The legislation – sponsored by Rep. Mia Gregerson (D, 33rd District) – would require manufacturers to allow consumers and independent repair shops access to parts, tools and information necessary to fix electronic devices.
Currently, manufacturers frequently refuse to sell these parts or tools, or provide important manuals or other information needed to fix devices. When devices can’t be fixed, consumers are forced to replace or go without them. The Fair Repair Act would ban these restrictions, make repair more affordable and accessible for Washingtonians, and reduce electronic waste.
The bill now advances to the state Senate, where it will have until March 29 to pass out of the policy committee.
In response, WashPIRG Zero Waste Associate Dax Tate released the following statement:
“The more we fix, the less we waste. We’re delighted to see the Fair Repair Act pass out of the House of Representatives. Washingtonians are now closer than we’ve ever been to getting the Right to Repair our personal electronic devices.
“Thank you to Representative Gregerson, repair shops, students, environment and consumer advocates and everyone else who has worked tirelessly to get us to this point. Now all eyes are on the Senate. We are looking forward to continuing to work with legislators and stakeholders to make Washington a national leader on Right to Repair.”
