Digital Repair Bill Becomes Law in New York

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) Thursday signed into law the nation’s first digital electronics repair legislation (S-4104/A-7006), approved by legislators in June 2206030034). Tech groups had urged a veto (see 2207060040). “This bill requires original equipment manufacturers of digital electronic products to provide materials to product owners and independent repair providers in New York to facilitate repairs,” Hochul said in her message signing the bill: “Such materials include documents like manuals and diagrams, and tools like diagnostics and parts. … As technology and smart devices become increasingly essential to the lives of New Yorkers, it is important for consumers to be able to fix the devices that they rely on in a timely fashion.” Hochul said “encouraging consumers to maximize the lifespan of their devices through repairs is a laudable goal to save money and reduce electronic waste.” The bill excludes home appliances, security alarms, motor vehicles, medical devices, farm equipment, power tools, industrial electrical equipment and e-bikes. “New York has stood up to the biggest of the big tech oligarchs and delivered a resounding blow to block their repair monopolies,” emailed Gay Gordon-Byrne, executive director of The Repair Association. Consumer Reports CEO Marta Tellado applauded the signing. “This landmark law will save New Yorkers money, provide them with more convenient repair options, and cut down on waste,” Tellado said: “When your device is broken, you should have more options than a high-priced service or the landfill.” IFixit CEO Kyle Wiens said, “New York has set a precedent for other states to follow, and I hope to see more states passing similar legislation in the near future.”