Congress introduces Fair Repair Act to empower consumers, small businesses

Representatives Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Joe Morelle (NY-25) introduced the Fair Repair Act last month, which gives consumers and small businesses the right to repair their own products.

The bill mandates that manufacturers provide access to diagnostic repair information, parts, and tools, making repairs more affordable and accessible.

Currently, many electronics manufacturers require repairs be done by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or authorized vendors, leading to high costs and inconvenience for consumers.

The Fair Repair Act seeks to change this by ensuring third-party repair shops and individual owners can access necessary repair resources under fair terms, thus reducing waste and speeding up the repair process.

According to U.S. PIRG, the act could cut household spending on electronics by 22%, potentially saving each family around $330 per year and totaling $40 billion in national savings annually.

Perez highlighted the challenges rural communities face, where accessing authorized repair services can be time-consuming and costly.

"The Fair Repair Act would empower folks with the right to fix their own stuff or take it to the shop they want – which will make repairs quicker, easier, and less expensive," Perez said.

Morelle emphasized the need to support small businesses and individual consumers against restrictive corporate practices.

"Large corporations have continually hindered the progress of small business owners and everyday Americans by preventing them from the right to repair their own equipment. It’s time to level the playing field," Morelle noted.

Senator Ben Ray Luján also voiced his support, stressing the financial burden imposed on families by current repair restrictions.

“This legislation will make it easier and more affordable for Americans to seek tech repairs for items like phones, laptops, and other devices,” stated Lujan.

Rob Larew, President of the National Farmers Union, and Nathan Proctor, Senior Director of the U.S. PIRG Campaign for the Right to Repair, echoed these sentiments, advocating for broader repair rights for farmers and reducing electronic waste.

The full text of the Fair Repair Act is available for public review.