The Right-to-Repair movement is growing, with 14 states exploring right to repair legislation, including Oregon. Oregon House Bill 2698 is one of many bills making its way through the state legislature in the 2021 session. Here’s a summary of the bill language:
Requires original equipment manufacturer to make available to owner of originated equipment or independent repair provider on fair and reasonable terms any part, tool, documentation or other device or implement that original equipment manufacturer makes available to authorized repair provider for purpose of diagnosing, maintaining or repairing originated equipment.
If approved into law, the bill would require that large companies must release tools, parts, and manuals so consumers and repair businesses can fix and maintain what you already own. Extending the life of devices saves you money and keeps repairable items out of the landfill.
The national Repair Association supports this legislation and continues to offer consumers and businesses repair information. A new online feature includes a Where to Repair search tool. Other local repair resources include Portland Repair Finder and FiX iT Lane County.
Repair PDX is offering virtual workshops, including how to hem your pants, as part of the virtual Fix-It Fair. Other repair partners, like Global Virtual Fixit Clinics, offer options to be a coach, get something fixed, or just come for the experience. You can jump from room to room to see how different fixes are going.
Check out a previous blog post about repair businesses as essential services and options to fix at home.