Alabama House bill aims to make it easier for people to repair their devices

An Alabama House committee Wednesday held a public hearing on a bill aimed at making it easier for consumers and independent retailers to repair electronic devices.

HB 476, sponsored by Rep. Marilyn Lands, D-Huntsville, would require the manufacturers of technology devices and software providers to provide information, tools and parts for items they produce to consumers and repair shops.

“It would reduce consumer cost and have significant environmental and economic benefits,” Lands told the committee prior to the public hearing. “It promotes affordability, sustainability and access to critical supplies.”

The bill states that an original equipment manufacturer will not impose contractual limitations on access to documents that outline how to repair the items they make.

Manufacturers will also ensure that parts are available to repair their devices for at least five years after the discontinue making the item and that the parts are offered on “fair and reasonable” terms without requiring consumers or repair shops to buy additional services from them.

It also makes manufacturers subject to a $10,000 fine for not complying with the provisions in the bill and allows consumers and repair shops to file lawsuits against manufacturers for violating elements of the bill.

Members of the public spoke both in favor of and against the legislation.

“It is wonderful for our environment to keep appliances going for longer rather than throwing them into landfills, particularly with the sort of toxic components that are often involved in e-waste,” said Tabitha Isner, who spoke in favor of the legislation. “It is also great for the economy to have folks who are able to make a small business out of repairing electronics.”

Dustin Brighton, director Repair Done Right Coalition, an organization that advocates for the safe and secure repair of electronic devices opposed the bill, saying that it would lead to safety risk and threats for Alabama residents.

“Mandating that companies outsource their repair service to a third-party network prevents them from being able to fully stand behind their products’ safety and security,” he said.

The committee plans to vote on the legislation next week.