Advocates for the “right to repair” electronics say a bill in the Oregon Legislature could help families during the pandemic. House Bill 2698 would require electronics manufacturers to provide independent providers with tools and manuals necessary to repair their devices. Many manufacturers say these tools are intellectual property and only allow authorized retailers to handle repairs.

State Rep. Janeen Sollman, D-Hillsboro, said Oregon’s right-to-repair bill has support from both parties. “Once someone buys the product, they should own it, and they should be able to do whatever they want with it,” she said. “Intentionally limiting access to where and how people can fix what they own means they truly don’t own it.”

Supporters say the bill also could help cut down on electronic waste, the fastest-growing waste stream in the world. Lawmakers in 13 other states also are considering right-to-repair legislation.

Sollman said the bill also would reduce the cost for fixing these products. She said this especially is crucial during the pandemic, when electronics use is up and more necessary than ever to many people’s lives. According to the Oregon State Public Interest Research Group, this bill could save Oregon households up to $330 per year.

To read the full story, visit https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2021-01-27/consumer/bill-would-give-oregonians-right-to-repair-electronics/a72953-1.
Author: Public News Service
Image: H_Ko, Adobe Stock, Public News Service

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