Oregon Bans Parts Pairing
Oregon passed a landmark right-to-repair law that bans restrictive "parts pairing" (where manufacturers lock out third-party parts via software) and guarantees a decade of repair support for consumer electronics. The law prevents manufacturers from bricking devices when you use legitimate third-party or salvaged components, making home repairs vastly easier and cheaper. This model is expected to set a precedent for other states and catalyze nationwide reform, empowering consumers and independent repair shops to extend product life.
Championed by State Senator Janeen Sollman and Representative Courtney Neron, the bill, officially known as Senate Bill 1596, was signed into law by Governor Tina Kotek. This legislative effort makes Oregon the fifth state to enact a right-to-repair law for consumer electronics, following in the footsteps of California, Colorado, Minnesota, and New York. The law specifically targets "parts pairing," a practice where manufacturers use software to serialize components, linking them to a specific device. If a part is replaced, even with a genuine component from another device, full functionality may be lost unless the manufacturer's proprietary software authorizes the new part. For example, a screen replacement on some iPhone models could previously disable features like Face ID. Effective from January 1, 2025, the legislation will apply to most electronic devices sold in the state since July 2015, and cell phones sold since July 2021. The ban on parts pairing specifically applies to covered devices manufactured after that 2025 date. The law requires manufacturers to provide independent repair shops and owners with the same diagnostic tools, parts, and manuals that are available to their authorized service centers. This new law is projected to save the average Oregon household around $330 per year, contributing to a total of $540 million in savings across the state. It also addresses a significant environmental issue, as Oregonians dispose of an estimated 4,800 cell phones every day, contributing to the fastest-growing e-waste stream globally. Interestingly, the tech industry was divided on the bill. While Google publicly endorsed the Oregon legislation, calling it a "compelling model for other states," Apple, a company that utilizes parts pairing, lobbied against the law. The law does include exemptions for certain products, such as motor vehicles, agricultural equipment, and medical devices. For violations of the act, the Attorney General can impose civil penalties of up to $1,000 for each day of the violation.
