Statement: Oregon Legislature Fails to Advance Right to Repair

OSPIRG

The Oregon House of Representatives chose not to take up the Right to Repair bill, HB 2698, in committee Wednesday, so it probably  won’t receive further consideration this legislative session. The Right to Repair would make it easier for consumers to fix their consumer electronics and appliances by requiring manufacturers to release replacement parts, tools, and repair schematics to the public and independent repair businesses.

In response, Charlie Fisher, OSPIRG’s state director, issued the following statement: 

“Much like our state animal the beaver, Oregonians are industrious and can fix things on their own. But even though a broad-based coalition of Oregonians support proposed Right to Repair legislation, a flood of special interest lobbyists have apparently persuaded our state lawmakers to dam up the process.

“Over the past year, thousands of Oregonians have spoken out in support of the Right to Repair because it helps small businesses, reduces waste and climate pollution, protects consumers and helps bridge the digital divide. We are disappointed that despite that outpouring of support, members of the House Committee on Business & Labor decided not to move House Bill 2698 forward, bowing to the pressure of large out-of-state influence, who benefit from the status quo. 

“We’re disappointed but not deterred by this setback because we know that the public and the facts are on our side. Already, 25 states have introduced similar bills this year, with several legislatures, including those in Arkansas, Florida, Delaware deciding to advance Right to Repair. We look forward to bringing this commonsense reform back to the Oregon Legislature in the future and thank all of the tireless legislators and advocates who have helped bring it this far.”