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Alabama has officially introduced its Right to Repair Act. This marks a significant milestone for the national right to repair movement, which began over a decade ago and has grown into a significant grassroots effort in every state.
Rep. Marilyn Lands, D-Huntsville, introduced HB476, designed to give consumers and independent repair providers the right to access documentation, software and tools on fair and reasonable terms to make appropriate repairs to electronic devices.
The bill has garnered bipartisan support from cosigners Cynthia Almond, R-Tuscaloosa; Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville; Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile; Curtis Travis, D-Tuscaloosa; Ben Robbins, R-Sylacauga; and Adline Clarke, D-Mobile.
Under this proposed law, manufacturers cannot impose technical limitations that prevent repairs unless there is a clear, evidence-backed risk to public safety, health or privacy. If companies violate these requirements, they could face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. Consumers and independent repair shops would also have the right to bring legal action against companies that fail to comply, resulting in a fine of up to $10,000.
The Alabama legislation promotes consumer rights and is grounded in environmental and economic concerns. Lawmakers see that barriers to repairing electronic devices “undermine consumer rights and stifle competition in the repair market.” By making it easier to fix products, the bill aims to reduce landfill waste and extend the lifespan of electronic equipment by also reducing waste in landfills.
The act also clarifies that manufacturers cannot be held liable for damages resulting from independent repairs, as long as they have fulfilled their responsibilities under the law. If passed, the legislation will go into effect on Oct. 1, 2025.
While many states have passed or are looking to pass this kind of legislation, the results are not uniform. Some states have blanket bills of this nature, applying to all consumer electronic devices and only narrowed down by the attorney general. Other Southern states like Tennessee and Mississippi have introduced right to repair legislation as it pertains to farm equipment.
During the 2024 legislative session, Alabama lawmakers looked to pass a version of a right to repair bill that related to farm equipment. HB261, introduced by Rep. Curtis Travis, D-Tuscaloosa, died before reaching a committee vote.
Alabama’s move comes at a time when the right to repair movement is growing on a national scale. Right to repair laws have already been passed in Massachusetts, New York, Minnesota, Colorado, California and Oregon, and every other state is actively considering or has considered similar legislation. In many states, it has taken years for these bills to move through the legislative process due to strong opposition from major tech companies.
The movement received accolades from the Biden administration, with the White House and the Federal Trade Commission both endorsing the right to repair. Alabama’s legislation, while still a proposal, will go before the House Judiciary Standing Committee on Tuesday for a public hearing.
