Oregon adopts 'Right to Repair' law to help consumers fix broken electronics

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Oregon's "Right to Repair" bill was signed into law by Gov. Tina Kotek on Wednesday in an effort to help consumers fix broken electronic devices instead of purchasing new ones, officials announced.

Senate Bill 1596, Oregon’s Right to Repair reform, aims to make repairing electronics fairer and more affordable by requiring original equipment manufacturers to provide repair tools and information to owners and independent repair providers to give consumers more options for fixing their electronics.

Officials said the bill also strives to reduce waste by making it easier for consumers to repair devices instead of buying new ones.

“The Right to Repair is now the law in Oregon,” Kotek said in a statement. “This is a win for consumers and will help bridge our digital divide and support small businesses across our state.”

“This is a huge win for Oregon consumers and the Right to Repair movement, as a whole,” said Senator Janeen Sollman (D – Hillsboro.) “With Governor Kotek’s signature, our new Right to Repair law is a reasonable, common-sense step to lower costs and put more power back in the hands of consumers."

The Right to Repair bill passed with bipartisan support.