Last March Oregon became the seventh state to pass “right to repair” legislation making it easier, cheaper, and more convenient to repair technology you own. The bill’s passage came on the heels of legislation passed in Massachusetts (in 2012 and 2020), Colorado (in 2022 and 2023), New York (2023), Minnesota, Maine and California. All told, 30 states are considering such bills in 2024.
20 points
Here’s how I imagine this will go
People: Hey, that company isn’t following the laws
Politician: oh no, I’ll look into it
Company exec: yeah we don’t want to follow the laws, so we won’t.
Politician: well, I asked them nicely but if I actually do anything to punish them, then they won’t give me money anymore so my hands are tied.