More U.S. states are passing Right to Repair legislation, with all 50 states now exploring the concept. Washington recently became the latest state to close in on a repair bill. The Right to Repair movement continues to grow, spurred by increasing electronics and inflation, and more consumers are choosing to keep devices longer by repairing them rather than purchasing new ones.
If passed, HB 1483 would apply to covered products first sold or used in the state on or after July 1, 2021, and ban parts pairing for devices sold after Jan. 1, 2025. Parts pairing is software that ensures a device will only operate with specific individual parts typically provided by the same OEM, a strategy many OEMs use to prevent third-party repair shops from repairing their devices.
This version of HB1483 was approved by the House 94-1 on March 4, then passed out of the Senate on April 10 on a bipartisan vote of 48-1. The bill would make Washington the sixth U.S. state to give consumers the right to repair their own devices if it is signed into law, alongside New York, Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon, and California.
Rep. Mia Gregerson, bill sponsor, said the act is “about fairness, affordability, and putting power back into the hands of everyday Washingtonians. Whether a smartphone or a household device, people deserve access to the tools, parts, and information needed to repair devices they’ve already paid for.”
HB 1483 was delivered to Gov. Bob Ferguson’s desk on April 22, from which he will have 20 days to sign.
Environmental Benefits of Device Repair
Right to Repair legislation is important to consumers and the environment as well. Device reuse is a key factor in e-waste reduction and is becoming more popular as electronics prices continue to rise. Millions of consumers use and discard mobile assets that are still functioning, wasting valuable resources and contributing to the global e-waste crisis. Additionally, when electronics are not disposed of correctly, they can cause pollution and even be the source of large chemical fires. Reusing IT assets helps prevent them from entering the waste stream and extends their life spans.
Companies that remarket or donate used IT assets provide a cost-effective alternative to purchasing brand-new devices for those without access, helping to create a used device sales channel. ITAD enterprises like HOBI collect used electronics and ensure they are responsibly disposed of, and some offer repair and remarketing services to maximize the value of used devices. As an R2v3, RIOS, and ISO 14001 certified IT asset management and disposition enterprise with more than 30 years of industry experience, HOBI focuses on maximizing economic return and prioritizes contributing to reducing the carbon footprint through reuse and e-recycling.
For more information about our ITAD services, call 877-814-2620 or contact us at sales@hobi.com.