On May 19, Governor Ferguson signed into law two landmark consumer rights bills that will make electronic and mobility device repairs more affordable and allow consumers to repair their electronics and mobility devices rather than buy new ones.
The Right to Repair Act (HB 1483) gives consumers and independent repair providers fair access to parts, tools, and information needed to repair digital devices. It also prohibits “parts pairing” — a practice manufacturer use to restrict repair — ensuring people are not forced into costly, manufacturer-only repair options. The state attorney general’s office could enforce violations of the new law under the Consumer Protection Act.
The governor also signed SB 5680, a companion right-to-repair measure focused on mobility devices such as powered wheelchairs. This bill ensures people with disabilities can more easily access affordable repairs, addressing long delays and high costs that put health and safety at risk.
“Too many families have waited weeks or months for basic repairs,” said Rep. Mia Gregerson, D-SeaTac, sponsor of the House companion legislation. “This law gives people the freedom and dignity to keep their mobility devices working—when and where they need them.”
Both bills take effect on July 26th.
The Right to Repair movement has spread to all 50 state legislatures across the country. According to the City of Seattle Public Information Office, seven states have passed repair legislation since 2020 and now Washington has joined their ranks, one of 20 additional states that had Right to Repair legislation under consideration during this year’s legislative season.
Beyond the benefits to consumers, an event announcing the legislation showcased PCs for People’s e-waste recycling facility, which keeps devices out of landfills by recycling and refurbishing electronics. The nonprofit then redistributes the refurbished technology to low-income communities in need, advancing digital equity in Washington. E-waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the world, with the amount of discarded electronics rising five times faster than documented recycling capacity. In Washington alone, consumers dispose of approximately 174,000 tons of electronics every year.
“We support the Right to Repair because it contributes to our Zero Waste mission,” said Seattle Public Utilities General Manager and CEO Andrew Lee. “The Right to Repair bill will make it easier for Washingtonians to repair their electronics and appliances and keep them in use much, much longer. This keeps electronic waste out of our landfills but also helps avoid the manufacturing of new electronic products, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions.”
Discarding devices after just a few years has a devastating impact on our climate. WashPIRG’s new resource, The environmental benefits of repair, showcases how extending the lifespan of common electronic devices and appliances can dramatically reduce supply chain emissions and energy costs. The new legislation could cut the same amount of climate pollution that’s created by driving a typical car more than 457 million miles.
“Being able to repair our devices instead of buying new prevents waste, cuts climate pollution and reduces the use of natural resources,” WashPIRG Campaign Associate Kathryn Horvath said during the event.
And those reliant on mobility devices are especially grateful.
