Colorado enacts right-to-repair law banning restrictions on parts pairing, mirroring Oregon's ban

ForgottenFlux@lemmy.world to Technology@lemmy.world – 709 points – Under new right-to-repair law, Coloradans gain the power to repair their cell phones, computers, and more
cpr.org

Summary:

  • Colorado's new right-to-repair law allows residents to repair their cell phones, computers, and other devices.
  • The law requires manufacturers like Samsung and Apple to provide documentation, software, and tools to device owners and independent repair shops at the same prices as authorized repair providers.
  • The law prohibits manufacturers from restricting replacement parts and displaying misleading alerts about parts.
  • The law passed on partisan lines, with Democrats in support and Republicans opposed, and will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
  • Exemptions to the law include video game consoles, medical devices, electric car chargers, and more.
  • Opponents of the law argue it could pose security risks and impact device reliability, while supporters believe it promotes consumer choice and reduces electronic waste.
28

The Entertainment Software Association had pushed for the exemption for game consoles, arguing that including them would have made it easier to add chips that allow people to play pirated games.

What a load of utter shit. It would allow consumers to fix their things without dealing with crooks. Take a good look at Asus, they’re only the latest example.

Before i reply, know that i am also against parts pairing at this point in time. Fuck apple for making it popular.

Parts pairing does work against piracy to some level. Ps3's blu ray drive was paired, and had checks to see if it was modded. Changes to the drive would make it not play any content because the pairing verification failed.
Then there is the switch' game cart slot. Its paired with the switch, and has firmware running on it. It also adds a layer of protection.
They arent lying in that statement. What they arent saying is that it totally fucks with right to repair >>

Yeah. There's zero reason a disk drive with a recognized genuine serial tied to it shouldn't work in any other system you stick it in that the system could verify online.

Why are there any exceptions to begin with

I understand exception of medical devices where manufacturers carry huge responsibility if something goes wrong. But consoles???

And car chargers?!? Hell level 2 chargers are glorified extension cords. Why should they get an exception?

I don’t know. Could still be safety concerns? In many districts/counties you can’t even change a light-switch yourself.

I thought the restriction was CHARGING to replace a light switch as an unlicensed electrician, am I wrong? I've never heard of DIY being disallowed. The only restrictions I know of are needing to pull a permit for structural stuff and I'm in an area with pretty tight electrical regulations (EMT conduit, no Romex allowed)

You could claim safety concerns in anything and everything. Doesn't mean that the manufacturer should have the right to intentionally make things that cannot be repaired due to drm.

In those counties that you cannot change a light switch on your own, do you have to call up the manufacturer of your home(and no other) and pay them to fix your light switch, and then have them say it's better to just buy a whole new house, this one is not worth fixing.

No, it has to be certified (by state?) electrician.

Yes, exactly. State. Not the company that will profit more from you buying another house because their house is the only one allowed to have the cabinets and organization that you like. And have been using all your life.

That’s because the state is essentially responsible for house safety- there are many codes the buildings have to satisfy. Not everything is regulated like that. There are no many codes (if at all) associated with chargers, and charger safety is responsibility of a company making the charger. So at least I can see some logic here. But with low power devices like console the risk is very low to have someone electrocuted because incorrect low voltage (compared to what car is using to charge) card is installed. Maybe there is a risk of fire?

It sucks! I'd guess this was an attempt to get something on the books and maybe they go back for exemptions later. Article says an earlier bill only applied to wheelchairs and then later they expanded to include agricultural equipment.

The law passed on partisan lines, with Democrats in support and Republicans opposed,

BoTh SiDeS tHo

10 more...

"Those materials have to be made available at the same prices the manufacturer charges to authorized repair providers."

One screen order $189. Three or more screens $120 a piece.

“Imagine if every time your car broke down, the only option you had for repair was the dealer. That's not a world any of us want to live in,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, a Democrat who is one of the bill’s sponsors, at an earlier committee hearing.

About that...

The law also excludes motor vehicles, but independent mechanics and car owners already have similar rights under a 2014 memorandum of understanding

Not sure if a "memorandum of understanding" has the same legal force behind it the bill does. Hope so.

Dead car battery...hmmm do you remember your radio code? Nope? New radio! Sorry!

Thoroughly enjoyed this read