The New York state Senate on Thursday passed a landmark right-to-repair bill that aimed to require manufacturers to provide access to the parts, information and tools necessary for fixing electronic equipment. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Neil Breslin, was passed on a 51 to 12 vote. While the New York state Assembly is unlikely to take up the sister bill, Assembly Bill 7006, sponsored by Asm. Pat Fahy, the senate vote is still a milestone. This is the first time a broad Right to Repair measure has seen a full chamber vote (earlier votes involved narrower bills for medical devices, farm equipment and cars). The achievement comes amid heavy opposition: A U.S. PIRG study found that companies worth a combined $10.7 trillion have recently lobbied against Right to Repair. The bill is supported by Repair.org, NYPIRG and U.S. PIRG, iFixit.com, Consumer Reports Advocacy, and many other public interest and environmental organizations.
Right to Repair passes New York Senate on 51-12 vote
