The right-to-repair movement is growing as wins stack up

But six states have passed right-to-repair laws, protecting consumers’ abilities to repair or modify their products.

Peter Mui, founder of Fixit Clinic, describes his repair work as a hobby that’s gotten out of control. What started as a tool share in Berkeley, California, has turned into a volunteer-run group that has organized more than 1,300 repair events around the country. At Fixit Clinics, people can bring any broken household item — from worn socks to broken toasters — and learn how to make them functional again.

“During the last few years, interest in repair has exploded,” Mui said.

He attributes this cultural shift to a growing awareness about the environmental impact of e-waste, as well as a raft of “right-to-repair” laws passing across the U.S. Historically, manufacturers of computers, cars and tractors have cited copyright law to claim exclusive repair rights, allowing them to sue independent repair companies while preventing consumers from finding lower-cost alternatives.

But in six states — California, Colorado, Minnesota, Maine, New York and Oregon — right-to-repair laws have been passed to protect consumers’ ability to repair or modify their products instead of having to go through the manufacturer. Oregon’s law is the most recent, passing in 2024 and going into effect in January.

Volunteers at a Fixit Clinic in Berkeley, Calif., work on repairing a multicooker.Peter Mui, Fixit ClinicAs of March, right-to-repair bills had been introduced in all 50 states, and 20 state legislatures are currently debating such bills.

https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/innovation/right-repair-movement-growing-wins-stack-rcna195230

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