The proposed bill, titled the "Digital Electronics Right to Repair Act," aims to enhance the repairability of digital electronic equipment sold in the state starting January 1, 2027. It mandates that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) provide independent repair providers and equipment owners with access to necessary documentation, parts, and tools for the diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of their products. This includes ensuring that OEMs do not employ practices such as parts pairing that could hinder the functionality of non-manufacturer approved replacement parts, create misleading alerts regarding repairs, or impose additional fees for future repairs.
Furthermore, the bill stipulates that OEMs must provide any special tools or documentation needed to deactivate locks on equipment for repair purposes, ensuring these resources are available on fair and reasonable terms. The act defines key terms such as "authorized repair provider," "digital electronic equipment," and "independent repair provider," establishing a framework for enforcement by the attorney general. It clarifies that while OEMs are required to provide access to repair resources, they are not obligated to disclose trade secrets or provide parts that are no longer available. The act is designed to promote competition in the repair market and empower consumers by facilitating easier access to repair services for their digital devices.