Wide public testimony at Senate hearing on Right to Repair; industry divisions focus on security, parts pairing and recyclers’ ability to refurbish devices

Senate Bill 54-23 would require original manufacturers of digital electronic products first manufactured or sold in Washington to make parts, diagnostic tools and repair documentation available on fair and reasonable terms to independent repair providers and owners beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

Derek Stanford, sponsor and state senator for the 1st District, told the Environment, Energy & Technology Committee the bill ‘‘is basically about fairness and competition’’ and asserted the measure would cut consumer costs and reduce waste. "Being able to take something to a local repair shop instead of having to deal with essentially a monopoly situation where the manufacturer controls everything about the repair of a device," Stanford said, "helps small local businesses and reduces waste."

Supporters included community groups, repair businesses and nonprofit recyclers. Catherine Horvath of Washington Public…