H.3383, An Act relative to the digital right to repair

Senator Brownsberger has recently submitted the following testimony on H.3383, An Act relative to the digital right to repair.

TO:                  Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

FROM:            Senator William N. Brownsberger

RE:                  H3383, An Act relative to the digital right to repair

DATE:             September 14^th, 2015

I am writing in support of H3383, An Act relative to the digital right to repair.

This bill would require manufacturers of digital electronic products to make parts, tools, diagnostic equipment and repair information available to anyone at a fair and reasonable cost. Currently, manufacturers are under no obligation to make parts or equipment available to anyone, leading to a monopoly on repairs by the manufacturer or authorized repair shops. This severely restricts consumer choice and competition.

Making parts and information available to anyone will allow adventurous consumers to repair their own electronics or give independent repair shops the ability to offer better repair services, using original manufacture parts and methods. Independent repair shops are frequently small businesses and employ thousands of individuals across the commonwealth. Competition drives down repair prices, providing a direct benefit for consumers. Affordable electronics repair can extend the life of a product and maximize its value and use rather than encouraging discard and replacement, providing an indirect benefit for the environment.

I believe this legislation will benefit consumer choice and encourage entrepreneurship in the Commonwealth and I hope the committee will report H3383 favorably.

You can view an original copy of the testimony here.

Andrew Bettinelli
Legislative Aide
Office of State Senator William N. Brownsberger