Commerce Committee reports Right-to-Repair bill to the floor

The Commerce Committee voted to report House Bill 1512 to the full House, advancing a proposal that would establish a freestanding Right-to-Repair Act for consumers.

Representative Mullins, the bill’s sponsor, told the committee the measure arose from concerns about consumer protection and waste. “The genesis for this bill is quite simple,” Mullins said, “1, as a consumer protection and consumer convenience, matter that we should have the right to repair our electronics and other things that we own. And also we have become such a throwaway culture, that we should be, have the ability to repair things and prevent them from, entering our landfills.”

Supporters described the bill as a consumer-rights measure to make repair information, parts and tools more available; sponsors argued it would reduce waste and give consumers more options than replacing devices. Opponents raised practical drafting concerns. One committee member said several provisions “aren't workable,” pointing to distinctions in the bill between “authorized repair provider” and “independent repair provider” and uncertainty about how the business community would define “tools.” That member said those drafting issues would lead them to vote no.

Committee members did not adopt amendments on the floor of the committee. After debate, the committee recorded 15 ayes and 11 nays on the question to report the bill. The committee chair announced, “On the question, the ayes are 15 and the nays are 11,” and the bill was reported as reported.

The committee’s action sends House Bill 1512 to the full House for further consideration and possible amendment. The transcript does not specify any dollar amounts, implementation deadlines or regulatory text; those details would be resolved in later proceedings if the House takes up the bill.