Right-to-Repair Legislation Gains Momentum Across U.S. States and Federal Level

Legislation known as right-to-repair has been passed in multiple U.S. states, enabling consumers to access parts, tools, and diagnostic information for repairing devices such as smartphones, laptops, and appliances. These laws address consumer reports of difficulties in obtaining affordable repairs due to manufacturer restrictions on proprietary components and software.

Washington's law was passed in May 2025. As of 2026, advocates are tracking 57 right-to-repair bills in 22 states.

the state senate advanced a bill to extend right-to-repair to electronics. Texas's law, effective September 1, 2025, covers phones, laptops, and tablets but excludes medical equipment, farm equipment, and game consoles. In Ohio, gubernatorial primary candidate Casey Putsch has included right-to-repair in his platform, according to polls.

Oregon's 2024 law prohibits parts pairing, which requires replacement components to match devices via proprietary software. Fahy added that average family savings are estimated at $400 per year for electronics and smartphones, with repair shops potentially hiring 15 percent more workers.

The original New York bill was broader but was narrowed to exclude medical equipment and home appliances. Fahy has introduced a subsequent bill to expand right-to-repair to wheelchairs. A CNBC poll indicates President Trump received his lowest marks on the economy during his presidency.

Tech companies have varied positions on right-to-repair. Apple initially opposed such legislation but has softened its stance, while Samsung has faced criticism for repair difficulties. Deere stated it supports farmers repairing equipment, according to Denver Caldwell, vice president of aftermarket and customer support.

Caldwell noted that existing frameworks provide updates for repair capabilities, but New York's requirements for paper manuals and offline processes conflict with industry investments in real-time diagnostics. Deere recently settled a class-action lawsuit with farmers, agreeing to pay $99 million and provide access to diagnostic tools for up to a decade, without admitting wrongdoing.

“We need national legislation, this is a bipartisan issue," said Patricia Fahy, a New York State senator. Luján also sponsors the Fair Repair Act, extending to appliances and electronics. Luján stated that the bills would offer consumers affordable repair options without requiring manufacturers to divulge trade secrets. The National Automobile Dealers Association opposes the REPAIR Act, stating that a 2014 agreement already provides independent mechanics with diagnostic data. NADA described the bill as potentially enabling unrelated activities like data harvesting. Supporters, including Luján, counter that the legislation addresses these concerns.”

Hawley stated that corporations have restricted repair information, leading to higher costs for consumers. David Friedman, a law professor at Willamette University, described the movement as a response to market structures limiting consumer choices in software-defined products.

Friedman noted that manufacturers bundle repairs with sales, creating closed ecosystems that encourage proprietary services or device replacement. Putsch, an Ohio candidate, stated that a aspect of the American Dream includes repairing one's own items.

The movement has bipartisan support and continues to build momentum.