Right-to-Repair Laws Now Active in Four States; Federal Bill Introduced

Four more state right-to-repair laws went live on January 1, 2026 — Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Connecticut and Texas follow mid-year. On February 5, the federal Fair Repair Act was introduced in both chambers of Congress. More than a quarter of Americans now live in a state with right-to-repair protections.

For independent appliance repair shops, this changes the economics of parts sourcing, diagnostic access, and competitive positioning against manufacturer-authorized service networks.

What the Laws Require

The specifics vary by state, but the core requirements are consistent:

Parts access. Manufacturers must sell replacement parts to independent repair providers and consumers at fair and reasonable prices. No more "authorized service center only" restrictions on common components like control boards, compressors, door assemblies, or heating elements.

Diagnostic tools and documentation. Service manuals, wiring diagrams, error code databases, firmware update tools, and diagnostic software must be made available. Manufacturers can charge a reasonable fee, but they can't refuse access or charge prices designed to be prohibitive.

No warranty voiding. Manufacturers cannot void a product warranty solely because an independent technician performed a repair. The repair must be done competently — if a botched repair causes damage, that damage isn't covered — but the act of using an independent shop doesn't invalidate the warranty.

Firmware and software. This is the newest provision and the most contested. Manufacturers must provide firmware updates necessary for repair. They do not have to provide proprietary software that controls product features (like a smart refrigerator's app ecosystem), but they do have to provide the firmware needed to reset error codes, recalibrate sensors, and restore functionality after a hardware repair.

What's Actually Changing on the Ground

Before these laws: A Samsung refrigerator throws a 22E error (evaporator fan issue). You can replace the fan motor, but clearing the fault code and running the post-repair calibration cycle requires Samsung's diagnostic tool — which was only available to Samsung-authorized service centers. Independent shops had to either become authorized (minimum volume requirements, training costs, controlled parts pricing) or use workarounds.

After these laws: Samsung must sell you access to the diagnostic tool at a reasonable price. Same for LG's service app, Whirlpool's diagnostic port software, and GE's SmartHQ Pro tools. "Reasonable price" isn't defined precisely in most state laws, but the legislative intent is clear: the price can't be so high that it functions as a de facto barrier.

The Federal Bill

The Fair Repair Act would create a national baseline, preempting the patchwork of state laws for manufacturers who operate nationwide. Key provisions:

• Applies to products sold for more than $50
• Covers consumer electronics, appliances, and powered equipment
• Requires parts availability for at least 7 years after last date of manufacture
• Establishes FTC enforcement authority with civil penalties up to $50,000 per violation

The bill has bipartisan co-sponsors but faces opposition from manufacturer trade groups. Odds of passage in this Congress are uncertain, but the state-level momentum is making a federal framework increasingly attractive to manufacturers who'd prefer one set of rules over fifty.

What Independent Shops Should Do Now

Document access requests. If a manufacturer denies you parts, diagnostic tools, or documentation for a product covered by your state's law, document the refusal. State attorneys general are actively collecting these complaints to build enforcement cases.

Update your marketing. "We can now service all brands with full manufacturer diagnostic tools" is a strong message. Customers have been told for years that only authorized service centers can properly repair their appliances. That's no longer true — and they need to hear it.

Watch parts pricing. The laws require "fair and reasonable" pricing, but manufacturers will test the boundaries. Track OEM parts prices over the next six months and report significant increases to your state's consumer protection office.

For related coverage, see our report on California's right-to-repair law and smart appliance diagnostics changing service calls.