HB476INTRODUCED
Page 0
HB476
9JA3JPP-1
By Representatives Lands, Almond, Daniels, Drummond, Travis,
Robbins, Clarke
RFD: Judiciary
First Read: 20-Mar-25
1
2
3
4
5
6 9JA3JPP-1 03/13/2025 ZAK (L)ma 2025-832
Page 1
First Read: 20-Mar-25
SYNOPSIS:
This bill would provide certain requirements for
manufacturers of electronic equipment and software to
ensure consumers and independent repair providers may
repair electronics.
This bill would also provide civil penalties
for, and a private right of action against,
manufacturers that violate these requirements.
A BILL
TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
Relating to consumer protection; to provide
requirements for manufacturers of electronic equipment and
software to ensure consumers and independent repair providers
may repair electronics; and to provide civil penalties for
violations.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
Section 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as
the Right to Repair Act.
Section 2. (a) The Legislature finds and declares the
following:
(1) Consumers and independent repair providers face
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28 HB476 INTRODUCED
Page 2
(1) Consumers and independent repair providers face
significant barriers to repairing electronic devices and
equipment, leading to increased costs and electronic waste.
(2) The inability to repair purchased products
undermines consumer rights and stifles competition in the
repair market.
(3) Enabling repairs benefits the environment by
extending the lifespan of electronic products and reducing the
volume of waste sent to landfills.
(b) The purpose of this act is to ensure that consumers
and independent repair providers have access to the necessary
resources to repair and maintain electronic products in a fair
and reasonable manner.
Section 3. For the purposes of this act, the following
terms have the following meanings:
(1) CONSUMER. Any person that purchases or leases
electronic equipment for personal, business, or other use.
(2) INDEPENDENT REPAIR PROVIDER. Any person not
affiliated with a manufacturer that offers repair services for
electronic equipment.
(3) MANUFACTURER. Any person that manufactures or
distributes electronic equipment or software.
(4) REPAIR DOCUMENTATION. Instructions, diagrams,
schematics, software, or other information necessary to
diagnose, maintain, or repair electronic equipment.
Section 4. (a) A manufacturer shall make repair
documentation, software, and tools available to consumers and
independent repair providers on fair and reasonable terms.
(b) A manufacturer shall not impose contractual or
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56 HB476 INTRODUCED
Page 3
(b) A manufacturer shall not impose contractual or
technical limitations on access to repair documentation,
tools, or software, except as allowed under Section 6.
Section 5. (a) A manufacturer shall ensure the
availability of replacement parts for electronic equipment for
a minimum of five years after the last production date of the
product.
(b) Replacement parts shall be offered on fair and
reasonable terms without requiring consumers or independent
repair providers to purchase additional services.
Section 6. (a) A manufacturer may seek exemptions for
specific categories of equipment where unrestricted access to
repair resources poses a demonstrable risk to public safety,
health, or privacy.
(b) Exemptions shall require justification supported by
evidence and shall be reviewed by the Attorney General.
Section 7. (a) Any manufacturer that violates this act
shall be subject to penalties, including a fine not exceeding
ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per violation.
(b) Consumers and independent repair providers may
bring a civil action to enforce their rights under this act.
Section 8. Manufacturers shall not be held liable for
damages arising from repairs conducted by consumers or
independent repair providers; provided, the manufacturer has
complied with the provisions of this act.
Section 9. This act shall become effective on October
1, 2025.
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82