Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF4418

Introduced
2/28/24  

Caption

Equipment removed from list of exclusions for purposes of digital fair repair.

Impact

If passed, HF4418 would require original equipment manufacturers to make available the necessary tools, parts, and documentation to independent repair providers and consumers. This shift represents a significant change in the regulatory landscape concerning the repair of digital electronics, potentially increasing competition among repair businesses, reducing consumer costs, and extending the life of devices through easier repair processes. Additionally, the bill's implementation has implications for the economy by encouraging local repair businesses and contributing to a more sustainable electronic consumption model.

Summary

House File 4418 aims to amend Minnesota Statutes to facilitate fairer access to repair tools and parts for digital electronic equipment. The bill proposes to remove equipment from the list of exclusions under the digital fair repair provisions, thus expanding the rights of consumers and independent repair providers. The essence of this legislation aligns with the growing Right to Repair movement, which advocates for the ability of users to repair their own devices with non-manufacturer components.

Contention

Critics of HF4418 may raise concerns about cybersecurity and intellectual property protection, fearing that mandatory parts availability could compromise manufacturers' proprietary information or lead to security vulnerabilities. Furthermore, there may be opposition from large manufacturers who argue that such requirements could increase their operational costs, ultimately affecting product pricing. The extent to which these concerns will resonate with legislators and stakeholders will likely influence the bill's progress and effectiveness in addressing the rights of consumers and repair providers.

Companion Bills

MN SF4407

Similar To Digital fair repair list of exclusions equipment removal provision

Previously Filed As

MN SF4407

Digital fair repair list of exclusions equipment removal provision

MN SF1598

Digital Fair Repair Act

MN HF2519

Motorcycles added to Digital Fair Repair Act.

MN SF2484

Digital Fair Repair Act addition of motorcycles provision

MN HF4800

Original equipment manufacturer required to facilitate repair of farm equipment.

MN HF1337

Digital fair repair provisions modified, and penalties required.

MN SF5318

Original equipment manufacturer facilitation of the repair of farm equipment requirement

MN SF2030

Farm equipment original equipment manufacturer facilitation of repairs requirement provision

MN HF970

Original equipment manufacturer required to facilitate the repair of farm equipment.

MN HB226

Relating To Fair Digital Electronic Equipment Repair.

Similar Bills

HI HB1287

Relating To The Right To Repair.

HI HB1287

Relating To The Right To Repair.

HI HB645

Relating To The Model State Right-to-repair Law.

HI SB1105

Relating To The Model State Right-to-repair Law.

HI HB645

Relating To The Model State Right-to-repair Law.

HI SB1105

Relating To The Model State Right-to-repair Law.

HI HB2369

Relating To The Model State Right-to-repair Law.

HI SB564

Relating To The Model State Right-to-repair Law.