The Right-to-Repair Act mandates that manufacturers of digital electronic equipment provide owners and independent repair providers with access to necessary documentation, parts, and tools for the diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of their products. This access must be granted on fair and reasonable terms, which includes making documentation available at no charge (with potential costs for physical copies), providing tools without impediments, and ensuring parts are offered at costs equivalent to those available to authorized repair providers. The act specifically prohibits manufacturers from using parts pairing to restrict repairs or reduce functionality of the equipment.
Additionally, the bill outlines civil penalties for violations, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, and establishes enforcement mechanisms through the Attorney General. However, it also includes limitations and exclusions, clarifying that manufacturers are not required to disclose trade secrets, provide documentation for certain specialized equipment, or warrant repairs made by independent providers. The act will take effect 180 days after its passage, applying only to digital electronic equipment sold or used in Pennsylvania after July 1, 2022.