The U.S. state of Oregon is reportedly considering a bill that would make it easier for consumers to obtain repairs for their electronic devices.
According to a posting on the website of the Ontario (Oregon) Argus Observer, Oregon legislators are evaluating a bi-partisan proposal that would require manufacturers of electronic devices to provide independent repair shops with the tools and information they need to repair failing devices or replace key components like internal batteries. Currently, many manufacturers limit access to such information to authorized retailers to better secure their intellectual property.
The legislation was reportedly prompted in part by challenges faced by consumers in getting essential electronic devices repaired during the current pandemic, due in part to the shortage of locations where such repairs could be completed. But advocates of the legislation also contend that greater access to repair locations could also significantly reduce the volume of electronic waste from the disposal of electronic devices.
Read the article on Oregon’s “right to repair” bill.
