SIA and Other Organizations Jointly Oppose “Right to Repair” Legislation

SIA is actively monitoring legislation that requires original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of digital electronic products to disclose proprietary diagnostic and repair information to independent repair shop owners – known as “Right to Repair.” So far in 2018, lawmakers in five states have introduced bills – Virginia, Washington, New Hampshire, Vermont and Hawaii – that potentially jeopardize the cybersecurity and warranty policies often associated with digital electronic products.

If enacted, for the security industry the vague definition of digital electronic products noted in right to repair bills means security system manufacturers will be forced to relinquish intellectual property to independent repair service providers – regardless of whether the end user is commercial or residential. Moreover, WA HB 2279 OEMs are prohibited from designing or manufacturing digital electronic products that prevent reasonable diagnostic or repair functions by an independent repair provider. This includes permanently affixing a battery in a manner that makes it difficult to remove.

SIA joined an industry coalition comprised of CompTIA, the National Electronic Manufacturer Association (NEMA), Consumer Technology Association (CTA), et al. in opposition to right to repair legislation. The groups issued a letter on Jan. 8, 2018, to the Honorable Jeff Morris, chair of the Washington State House of Representatives’ House Technology & Economic Development Committee, announcing opposition to “right to repair,” and noting that the group of organizations believes that “if enacted, this legislation would lead to grave unintended consequences to the operation, security and safety of those products.”

If you would like more information on right to repair legislation, please contact Joe Hoellerer at jhoellerer@securityindustry.org, and feel free to navigate SIA’s Legislative Tracker by searching the Right to Repair issue area section to view additional bills.