Bills · S 3821
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3821Commerce
Fair Repair Act
INTRO FEB 10· LAST ACTION FEB 10
READING
12MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
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- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters to voters because it directly impacts the cost and convenience of repairing many everyday electronic items. Currently, manufacturers often control who can fix their products, leading to limited repair options, higher costs, and sometimes forcing consumers to buy new devices instead of repairing old ones. If this bill becomes law, it could significantly extend the lifespan of electronic gadgets, saving consumers money and reducing the growing problem of electronic waste.
By ensuring that independent shops and consumers have access to repair resources, the bill aims to create a more competitive repair market. This means more choice for consumers on where and how their devices are repaired, rather than being locked into manufacturer-approved services. If this bill doesn't become law, the current trends of restricted repair options, increasing repair costs, and manufacturer control over device longevity are likely to continue, potentially costing consumers more money and increasing environmental impact.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to make documentation, parts, and tools available to independent repair providers and owners for digital electronic equipment.
This provision aims to break down monopolies on repair, allowing more options for consumers and independent businesses to fix devices.
PROVISION 02
Prohibits OEMs from using 'parts pairing' or other mechanisms that prevent the installation of functional non-manufacturer parts, reduce device functionality, create false alerts, charge extra for future repairs, or limit who can perform repairs.
This directly tackles tactics used by manufacturers to restrict repairs to their own authorized networks, ensuring functionality with alternative parts.
PROVISION 03
Establishes that violations of the act will be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and allows State Attorneys General to bring civil actions.
This provides a legal framework and enforcement power to ensure manufacturers comply with the new repair requirements.
PROVISION 04
Requires OEMs to provide tools and information for security locks or functions necessary for repair, allowing them to be disabled and reset.
This addresses a major technical barrier that often prevents independent repairers from accessing and fixing secure components within devices.
PROVISION 05
Explicitly excludes motor vehicles, medical devices, and off-road/non-road vehicles (like aircraft, motorcycles, RVs) from the bill's requirements.
This provision defines the scope of the bill, clarifying which industries and products are not covered by these repair obligations.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
D· New Mexico
YRS IN OFFICE
17
BILLS LED
86
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 10
Introduced in Senate
FEB 10
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 3821
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 10, 2026
Last actionFeb 10, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 10, 2026
Senate BillS 3821Commerce
Fair Repair Act
INTRODUCED FEB 10, 2026· LAST ACTION FEB 10, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
12 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
