The "Right to Repair" Movement: Wins in 2024

For years, a cracked screen or a dying battery often meant expensive trips to the manufacturer or buying a brand-new device. In 2024, the landscape changed dramatically. Led by groundbreaking legislation in Oregon and Colorado, the “Right to Repair” movement secured major victories that force tech giants to let you—and independent repair shops—fix the devices you own.

Oregon’s SB 1596: Breaking the Software Locks

In March 2024, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed Senate Bill 1596 into law. This is widely considered one of the strongest Right to Repair laws in the United States because it targets a specific manufacturer tactic known as “parts pairing.”

The Ban on Parts Pairing

Most repair laws simply require companies to sell parts and manuals. Oregon went further. SB 1596 specifically bans the practice of parts pairing.

Parts pairing occurs when a manufacturer uses software to serialize hardware components. For example, if you took two brand-new iPhones and swapped their screens, the software might disable FaceID or True Tone functionality because the serial numbers do not match what the motherboard expects. This practice discouraged third-party repair and forced consumers to go to the official manufacturer.

Under the new Oregon law, manufacturers cannot:

  • Use software to reduce the performance of a device because it uses an unauthorized part.
  • Display misleading warning messages about “non-genuine” parts when the part functions correctly.
  • Require parts to be paired to the device’s main board via proprietary software tools that only they possess.

Timeline and Coverage

The Oregon law covers consumer electronic equipment. This includes smartphones, tablets, and laptops. It does not apply to video game consoles, HVAC systems, or medical devices.

The implementation timeline applies retroactively to ensure older devices stay in use:

  • Cell Phones: Applies to models sold on or after July 1, 2021.
  • Other Consumer Electronics: Applies to products sold on or after July 1, 2015.

Colorado’s HB24-1121: Expanding Beyond the Farm

Colorado has historically been a leader in Right to Repair for agricultural equipment. In May 2024, Governor Jared Polis signed HB24-1121, expanding those protections to digital electronic equipment. This move solidified Colorado as a dual-threat regarding repair legislation, covering both tractors and tablets.

Specifics of the Colorado Law

The Consumer Right to Repair Digital Electronic Equipment Act requires original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to provide parts, tools, documentation, and software to independent repair providers and device owners.

Key mandates include:

  • Fair Pricing: Manufacturers must offer parts and tools at fair and reasonable terms. They cannot charge an independent shop significantly more than they charge their authorized service providers.
  • Software Reset Tools: If a repair requires a software reset to complete the installation (such as calibrating a new battery), the manufacturer must make that software available.

This law applies to digital electronic equipment manufactured for the first time and first sold or used in Colorado on or after January 1, 2021.

The "California Effect" Takes Hold in July 2024

While Oregon and Colorado passed new laws in 2024, the impact of California’s Senate Bill 244 officially began on July 1, 2024. Because of California’s massive economy, this law effectively sets a national standard.

The California law introduces a strict timeline for support based on the cost of the device:

  • Devices costing $50 to $99.99: Manufacturers must provide parts, tools, and documentation for at least three years after the product is last manufactured.
  • Devices costing $100 or more: Manufacturers must provide support for at least seven years.

This seven-year requirement is a game-changer for longevity. It forces companies like Google and Samsung to maintain supply chains for batteries and screens long after they have stopped marketing a specific phone model.

How Manufacturers Are Reacting

The pressure from these laws has forced major tech companies to pivot. Instead of fighting every bill, some are adapting their business models.

Apple’s Pivot

Apple has historically been the primary opponent of Right to Repair. However, in late 2023 and continuing into 2024, they shifted their stance. Apple launched and expanded its Self Service Repair program. This store allows regular consumers to buy official screens, batteries, and screw kits. Following the pressure from Oregon, Apple also announced they would begin allowing used “genuine” parts to be installed in iPhones without losing functionality, a direct response to the parts pairing controversy.

Google and Samsung

Google has committed to seven years of spare parts availability for its Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series, aligning perfectly with the California mandate. Samsung has partnered with iFixit to sell parts for its Galaxy series phones and Galaxy Books, allowing users to buy charging ports and back glass directly.

Why This Matters for Your Wallet

These legislative wins translate to direct financial benefits for consumers.

  1. Competition Lowers Prices: When only the Apple Store can fix an iPhone, they can set the price. When the shop down the street has access to the same tools and manuals, price competition begins.
  2. Used Market Value: Devices that can be repaired hold their value longer. A laptop from 2018 is still usable in 2024 if you can easily replace the battery.
  3. Reduced E-Waste: Keeping a phone for four years instead of two significantly reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does repairing my own phone void the warranty? Generally, no. In the United States, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act prevents manufacturers from voiding a warranty simply because you opened the device or used third-party parts. They can only deny warranty coverage if they can prove your repair caused the specific damage you are claiming.

What is the difference between Oregon’s law and others? The key differentiator for Oregon is the ban on parts pairing (software locking). While other states enforce the availability of parts, Oregon prevents the software from punishing you for using those parts.

Can I buy parts right now? Yes. You can currently buy official parts from Apple’s Self Service Repair Store, iFixit (for Google, Samsung, and Valve Steam Deck), and various third-party vendors. The 2024 laws ensure these channels remain open and stocked.

Do these laws cover cars? Automotive Right to Repair is handled separately. A national agreement and specific laws in Massachusetts already cover vehicle diagnostics and repair data, though this is an ongoing battle regarding wireless telematics data. The 2024 laws in Oregon and Colorado focus on consumer electronics.