California Considers 'Right to Repair' Bill From Apple: What You Need to Know

Apple’s recent letter to California state senator Susan Talamantes Eggman demonstrates an unexpected endorsement for SB 244, a “right to repair” bill making its way through Sacramento’s State Capitol.

This move is notable due to Apple’s evolving stance on right to repair legislation, which includes last year’s introduction of a Self-Service Repair program.

The company expressed its support for the California Right to Repair Act on the grounds of enabling consumers to safely repair devices without compromising privacy or data security.

In the letter, Apple highlighted its commitment to longevity and quality in its products and its desire to provide safe, high-quality repair options.

SB 244 encompasses consumer electronics and appliances, while exceptions for items like game consoles and alarm systems have been carved out based on piracy and security concerns.

While other statements of support for such legislation are typically made through industry consortiums, Apple’s direct endorsement is a rare occurrence.

As a company with a substantial presence in California and significant market influence, Apple’s support carries weight and could bolster the success of the bill.

This move aligns with a growing movement for right to repair legislation, with legislators in various states introducing similar bills aimed at improving consumer access to repair services.

The Right to Repair Act in California is an expansion of the existing California Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act from 1970.

The proposed legislation would mandate manufacturers to provide fair and reasonable access to repair means for product owners, service facilities, and dealers.

Even if a product is not under warranty, manufacturers would be required to make repair resources accessible.

The repair bill also obligates non-authorized repair providers to inform customers about their status before conducting repairs and disclose the use of non-manufacturer replacement parts.

After securing a Senate vote of 38-0 in May, the bill awaits assembly appropriation suspense file approval before proceeding to a full assembly vote.

What Is The Apple Repair Bill About?

The Apple repair bill, also known as SB 244, is a “right to repair” bill that is currently being considered in the California State Capitol.

This legislation aims to provide consumers with the legal right to repair their electronic devices and appliances.

The bill covers a wide range of products, including consumer electronics like phones and laptops, as well as appliances like microwaves and washing machines.

The key provisions of the bill include requiring manufacturers to make available the necessary tools, information, and resources to consumers, independent repair facilities, and service dealers for the purpose of diagnosing, maintaining, or repairing the products.

This means that consumers would have the option to choose where to get their devices repaired, whether it’s through the manufacturer’s authorized repair providers or independent repair shops.

The bill also seeks to address concerns related to privacy and data security. It aims to ensure that consumers can repair their devices without risking privacy breaches or data issues.

In its support for the bill, Apple emphasized the importance of enabling consumers to repair their devices safely while maintaining their safety, security, and privacy.

The California Right to Repair Act builds upon the existing California Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, which was enacted in 1970.

The bill has already passed a Senate vote with unanimous support and is awaiting further approvals before potentially becoming law.

If passed, it would mark a significant step towards expanding consumer rights in the realm of device repair and maintenance.

Has The Right To Repair Bill Been Passed?

The right to repair bill has not been passed at the federal level in the US, but some states have enacted or proposed their own legislation on the issue. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures 1, three states enacted right to repair legislation in 2023: Colorado, New York, and Minnesota.

Colorado requires agricultural equipment manufacturers to provide resources for individuals to repair their own agricultural equipment. New York requires manufacturers to provide consumers with parts or tools for electronic equipment manufactured for the first time and sold or used in New York after July 1, 2023. Minnesota enacted the Digital Fair Repair Act 1.

However, many other states have faced opposition from manufacturers and industry groups, who argue that right to repair laws pose safety, security, and intellectual property risks. For example, Massachusetts, which passed an automobile right to repair law in 2012 and expanded it in 2020, is facing a legal challenge from automobile manufacturers who claim that opening up data could create a major cyber-security risk to vehicles.

At the federal level, President Biden is expected to sign an executive order asking the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to draw up rules on the repair of farming equipment. This would give farmers “the right to repair their own equipment how they like”, according to the president’s press secretary, Jen Psaki.

However, it is unclear whether the executive order will also cover consumer electronic devices such as phones or game consoles, which have been the focus of many rights to repair advocates.