Right to Repair aims to fix your phone screen, locally; Will Apple take a crack at new law
Having a hard time handling that tablet or phone repair. Maybe there is hope for you as a new Oregon law aims to give small computer repair companies access to parts, tools, and repair documentation across Oregon.
From Chris Wilson with cplusc.com, a public relations firm in Portland with additions by Tom Peterson:
Salem, Ore., March 5, 2024 — Today marks a significant milestone in the Right to Repair movement as the Oregon House of Representatives passed legislation aimed at empowering consumers and supporting small businesses and companies committed to making more sustainable products.
The Oregon House passed SB 1596 with strong bipartisan support and support from a large coalition of stakeholders including consumer advocates, environmental leaders, small business owners, and Google. The bill, which will make it easier for Oregonians to fix broken devices like phones and tablets, was led by Sen. Janeen Sollman and Rep. Courtney Neron and now heads to the governor’s desk for signing.
“This is pretty good,” said Nicholas Kinney today, March 5. Kinney runs TD Techie a computer and tablet repair service in The Dalles. The new law has the potential to increase his local business, especially if he gains access to Apple supplies and tools.
“Apple just locks down devices so hard on a lot of their materials and parts,” he said. “They make a lot of money, and they keep a lot of their parts and information proprietary… the only option is to go to them because it’s the only place for repairs… It’s a significant part of their revenue. They just wait for 2 or 3 years and they get a massive influx of devices that break down and people have their whole lives on their phones. They’re reluctant to replace them or don’t want to learn another user interface.”
“It really feels bad when I get a call asking if I do IPhones or IPads. “For some things I can, but for the vast majority I just can’t. I never want to give customers that bad news but it does happen.”
Kinney speculated that the law would be met with major pushback from Apple.
“Absolutely,” he said. “This is not a done deal. They make of lot of their money through this.”
Kinney can be reached at (971) 401 - 3844.
Sen. Janeen Sollman, (D - Hillsboro.)
“Oregon's Right to Repair Act is about saving Oregonians money and supporting small business growth in Oregon,” said Sen. Sollman, (D - Hillsboro.) “It provides positive environmental action by reducing e-waste, cutting pollution by manufacturing less waste and creating an after-market inventory of products to close the digital divide across our state. Oregonians deserve to have affordable and sustainable options for repairing their electronics instead of throwing them away or replacing them.”
The legislation will require manufacturers to make parts, tools, and repair documentation more accessible to consumers and repair shops across Oregon.
“With this bill, manufacturers will no longer act as gatekeepers to the parts, tools, and documentation for electronics repair which drives up the cost,” said Romain Godin, co-owner of Hyperion Computerworks in Portland. “This legislation will help bolster my business and empower my customers.”
Earlier this year, Google outlined its support for the measure and believes it could serve as a model for other states, in part due to the limits it puts on what’s known as “parts pairing” or when manufacturers only allow approved parts and technicians to repair devices.
“This inclusive, common sense solution will allow small businesses to offer their customers more options and help Oregon families save money,” said Steven Nickel, Google’s Devices and Services Director of Operations. ”It’s also a show of support for companies investing in making their products more repairable and sustainable. We’re grateful to Senator Sollman for her leadership and for the lawmakers who’ve supported this effort.”
The Oregon State Public Interest Research Group (OSPIRG) advocated for the legislation, estimating Oregonians throw away approximately 4,800 devices each year.
Charlie Fisher, OSPIRG state director
“As a tech industry leader, Oregon is no stranger to innovation. I'm proud that we're moving forward on an innovation even more critical than a new gadget: the right to fix our electronic devices,” said Charlie Fisher, OSPIRG state director, “By eliminating manufacturer restrictions, Right to Repair will make it easier for Oregonians to keep their personal electronics running. That will conserve precious natural resources and prevent waste. It's a refreshing alternative to a ‘throwaway’ system that treats everything as disposable.”
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