The "Right to Repair Consumer Electronics Act" seeks to strengthen consumer rights by mandating that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) provide necessary documentation, tools, and parts to consumers and independent repair providers under fair terms. The bill prohibits OEMs from employing parts pairing to limit device functionality or mislead consumers about parts compatibility. It also requires repair providers to disclose their independent status and the nature of replacement parts used in repairs.
Enforcement mechanisms are included, allowing the attorney general to investigate complaints and impose civil penalties for violations, with penalties benefiting the current school fund. The act specifies that OEMs must report consumer complaints related to repair access, but it does not require them to disclose trade secrets or provide parts that are no longer manufactured. Certain products, such as medical devices and video game consoles, are excluded from the act's provisions. The bill outlines that its provisions will apply to consumer electronic equipment sold or used in the state on or after the effective date, with specific exemptions for older devices, and establishes that enforcement actions will only apply to incidents occurring after July 1, 2027, with an overall effective date set for July 1, 2025.