Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB386

Introduced
1/28/25  

Caption

Providing for an index relating to diagnosis, maintenance and repair of digital electronic equipment and for enforcement by Attorney General.

Impact

If enacted, HB 386 would significantly alter the landscape of consumer protection laws in Pennsylvania by introducing mandatory reporting requirements for OEMs. The repairability index aims to empower consumers with information to make informed decisions when purchasing electronics, promoting a culture of repair and reducing electronic waste. Consumers will have access to clear data regarding how easy it is to maintain and repair their devices, potentially leading to a decline in the prevalence of disposable electronic items and a shift towards more sustainable consumption patterns.

Summary

House Bill 386, known as the Repairability Index Act, aims to establish a framework for assessing and reporting the repairability of digital electronic equipment sold in Pennsylvania. The bill mandates that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) provide a repairability score for their products, which will be determined based on several criteria including ease of repair, availability of parts, and the manufacturer’s commitment to support repairs through technical documentation. This score must be displayed on product packaging and reported to the Attorney General prior to sale. The goal of this legislation is to enhance consumer awareness and promote sustainability by encouraging manufacturers to produce more repairable devices.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 386 appears largely positive among consumer advocacy groups who see it as a big step towards holding manufacturers accountable and empowering consumers. Supporters argue that the bill addresses the growing concern regarding planned obsolescence in electronics and promotes environmental responsibility. However, there are concerns from some industry stakeholders who fear that implementing and maintaining such standards could lead to increased costs and regulatory burdens, potentially impacting the pricing and availability of digital devices.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the mechanisms of enforcement and the potential for increased costs to manufacturers and, ultimately, consumers. Critics argue that mandates requiring OEMs to disclose repairability scores could be viewed as heavy-handed regulation that disrupts market dynamics. The role of the Attorney General in enforcing compliance with these requirements may also lead to debates over the adequacy of penalties for non-compliance. Industry associations may argue against the bill on grounds that it imposes obligations that disproportionately affect smaller manufacturers or that could stifle innovation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB427

Providing for an index relating to diagnosis, maintenance and repair of digital electronic equipment and for enforcement by Attorney General.

PA HB2535

Requiring manufacturers of digital electronic equipment to make available to owners and independent repair providers, on fair and reasonable terms, documentation, parts and tools used to diagnose, maintain and repair digital electronic equipment; and imposing a penalty.

PA SB744

Requiring manufacturers of digital electronic equipment to make available to owners and independent repair providers, on fair and reasonable terms, documentation, parts and tools used to diagnose, maintain and repair digital electronic equipment; and imposing a penalty.

PA HB964

Providing for transparency and disclosure of information collected by smart technology devices; establishing the Smart Technology Disclosure Fund; and providing for powers and duties of the Office of Attorney General.

PA HB1607

Providing for electronic waste recycling; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; establishing the Advisory Committee on Electronic Waste Recycling; and imposing penalties.

PA SB734

Providing for electronic waste recycling; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; establishing the Advisory Committee on Electronic Waste Recycling; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1947

Providing for consumer data privacy, for rights of consumers and duties of businesses relating to the collection of personal information and for duties of the Attorney General.

PA HB2042

In revenues, providing for audits of Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Trust Fund; in administration and enforcement, further providing for investigations and enforcement; in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in administration, further providing for records and confidentiality of information; in application and licensure, further providing for establishment licenses, for license or permit prohibition, for issuance and renewal and for conditional licenses; in operation, further providing for testing and certification of terminals and for video gaming limitations, providing for hours of operation and further providing for terminal placement agreements and for compulsive and problem gambling; in enforcement, further providing for investigations and enforcement; in revenues, further providing for distribution of local share, for regulatory assessments and for transfers from Video Gaming Fund; in ethics, further providing for political influence; in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of gambling devices, gambling, etc.; providing for implementation; and making a repeal.

PA SB115

In diesel-powered equipment, further providing for schedule of maintenance.

PA HB2444

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in games of chance, further providing for prize limits and for sales limited, providing for pull-tab deals, further providing for distributor licenses, for registration of manufacturers, for regulations of department and for licensing of eligible organizations; in club licensees, further providing for distribution of proceeds; and, in enforcement, further providing for revocation of licenses and providing for other penalties and for licensed eligible organizations subject to audit by Auditor General.

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PA HB1425

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