Local leaders from tech companies, nonprofits and environmental organizations recently drafted a letter to government leaders encouraging them to approve legislation that would improve Minnesotans' access to technology during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Digital Right to Repair legislation would require electronics manufacturers to make their repair manuals, tools and parts available for purchase by consumers and repair shops. The bill covers devices such as cell phones, laptops and tablets.
Supporters are requesting that the state government temporarily remove all obstacles to repair computing and network equipment for a period of one year. Doing so would allow Minnesotans to fix their own devices, which are not easily replaced when stores are closed.
"Many consumers are interested in repairing their own items but are unable to acquire the most basic of information, parts and tools that would be beneficial to them," the letter states. "The decision of whom to trust for repair shouldn't be left to the manufacturer, particularly when the manufacturer has nothing to offer during the current crisis."
The letter is signed by 18 local technology leaders, including refurbishing organizations and those that hope to distribute technology to students now working from home. The list includes Amanda LaGrange of Tech Dump; Tamara Gillard of Minnesota Computers for Schools; Gay Gordon-Byrne of The Repair Association; James Florin of Telecom Technologies; and Tim Schaefer of Environment Minnesota.
But owners of these devices argue that the measures put in place by these companies have created a repair monopoly that makes it difficult, costly and inconvenient to fix their smartphones and computers. Environmental advocates believe that consumers are more likely to discard their devices if they can’t be repaired, contributing to a growing pollution problem caused by electronic waste.
The fight for Right to Repair laws in Minnesota has been going on for more than five years. During the recent legislative session, the Right to Repair bill had passed through two required committees and was ready for a vote on the House floor. But COVID-19 put a stop to the progress.
The letter was sent nearly two weeks ago, and supports have yet to hear a response from legislators in St. Paul. Meanwhile, some equipment manufacturers (especially those making ventilators) have opened their repair documentation without orders from the government. Local Right to Repair supporters hope that electronics manufacturers will do the same.
