# Fair Repair Act: What It Means for You

The Fair Repair Act would require electronics manufacturers to share repair information, parts, and tools with independent repair shops and device owners. Right now, companies like Apple, Samsung, and others often keep this information secret and only allow their own authorized repair centers to fix products. This bill would change that by forcing manufacturers to provide the same repair resources to independent repair shops and people who want to fix their own devices that they give to their official repair centers.

The law applies to any digital electronics—smartphones, laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, and similar devices. When you buy something with a warranty for $100 or more, the manufacturer would have to make repair parts and instructions available at fair prices during the warranty period. The prices would need to be comparable to what authorized repair shops pay, and manufacturers can't add unnecessary restrictions or requirements just to make repairs harder. For example, if your phone has a security lock that prevents repairs, the manufacturer would have to provide the tools to disable and reset it so independent shops can actually fix the device.

The bill includes important protections for manufacturers. They don't have to reveal actual trade secrets, and the law doesn't apply to medical devices or car parts. The Federal Trade Commission would enforce the law and could fine companies that violate it, and state attorneys general could also take action on behalf of their residents. The law would take effect 60 days after being signed, meaning manufacturers would have two months to start complying.

For consumers, this could mean cheaper repairs, more repair options in your community, and the ability to keep devices longer instead of replacing them. For independent repair shops, it opens up a market that's currently dominated by manufacturer-authorized centers. For manufacturers, it means losing some control over the repair ecosystem but still being able to protect their actual proprietary secrets.

Fair Repair Act

Morelle, Joseph D.

Fair Repair Act This bill requires an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to make diagnostic, maintenance, and repair equipment available to independent repair providers. Specifically, for digital electronic equipment sold or used in the United States, an OEM shall make documentation, parts, and tools available to independent repair providers in a timely manner and on fair and reasonable terms. Further, if an OEM has made an express warranty for digital electronic equipment with a wholesale price of $100 or more, the OEM must provide such items at an equitable price and convenience of delivery to enable the repair of the equipment during the warranty period. The bill provides for enforcement of its provisions by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general.