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Panel debate over digital right‑to‑repair centers on e‑waste, consumer safety and cybersecurity
Summary
Supporters said H.433/S.189 would reduce electronic waste and save consumers money; industry groups warned about privacy, security and safety risks and asked for narrow exemptions and federal alignment.
The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure heard competing testimony on House Bill 433 and Senate Bill 189, a proposal to expand consumers’ and independent repairers’ access to parts, tools and documentation for electronic devices.
Consumer advocates, environmental groups and independent repair shop owners testified in favor of the bill, saying it would reduce electronic waste, lower household replacement costs and support local repair businesses. Industry groups, trade associations and some businesses opposed the draft, arguing it could create cybersecurity and privacy risks and conflict with federal mandates for certain equipment.
Janet Dominitz of the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group said the bill would help ‘‘reduce the most polluting kinds of waste’’ by making repairs…
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