Late on Friday, May 9, the Texas state House of Representatives passed HB 2963, Rep. Gio Capriglione (R-Keller), which requires manufacturers of electronic devices sold to consumers to make repair materials available to consumers and independent repair shops.
It’s the latest bipartisan landslide vote in favor of Right to Repair reforms, which have already passed in eight other states.
The legislation mandates the manufacturers of electronics sold to consumers make spare parts, repair documentation like manuals, and repair tools available on “fair and reasonable terms.” If passed by the Senate and signed by the governor, it would ensure that independent repair shops and product owners can access what they need to fix appliances, as well consumer electronics like laptops and cell phones.
As electronic waste, or e-waste, becomes a pressing issue, Right to Repair reforms remove barriers to fixing instead of replacing electronics — cutting waste and saving consumers money.