Oregon Passes Legislation to Promote Circular Economy for Electronics

In March, Oregon enacted S.B. 1596 ensuring consumers the right to repair their electronic devices. The bill, sponsored by Senator Janeen Sollman, promotes a circular economy by extending the lifespan of electronics. While Oregon is the fourth state to enact the right to repair, this is the first bill that prevents “parts pairing” allowing consumers the ability to use unauthorized, third-party parts.

• Why it matters: The constant release of new electronics models increases e-waste, resource depletion, financial burdens on consumers, and repair challenges for older models. The U.S. produces 6.9 million tons of e-waste annually, with only a small fraction properly recycled. Legislation like the Right to Repair encourages a circular economy by extending product lifespans, reducing e-waste, empowering consumers, supporting small businesses, and promoting sustainability and consumer rights. 

Key Components

• Prevents Part Pairing: Manufacturers cannot limit independent providers or owners from using functional replacement parts, even if not manufacturer approved. Independent providers must disclose that they are not authorized by the manufacturer and if the parts are used or from other suppliers.
• Combats Planned Obsolescence: Manufacturers cannot decrease the equipment’s functionality or performance over time.
• No Misleading Alerts & Repair Documentation: Manufacturers cannot display misleading alerts that cannot be dismissed because of parts pairing. They must also provide fair repair documentations, tools, and parts to owners and independent repair providers.
• Applies Retroactively: The law applies retroactively to cell phones released on July 1, 2021 and after and other consumer electronics sold on or after July 1, 2015.

Bill Sponsors

The bill was led by Senator Janeen Sollman, NCEL’s Oregon State Lead, and Representative Courtney Neron. Other co-sponsors included Senator Michael Dembrow, Senator Jeff Golden, Senator Aaron Woods, Representative Janelle Bynum, and Representative Rob Nosse. 

Other State Actions 

There were 42 other bills this year regarding the Right to Repair. Colorado also passed legislation in May this year.

• Colorado HB24-1121: Expands repair rights to include not just electronics but also appliances and other products. The law builds on Oregon’s success by emphasizing designing products for easier repair. 
• Previously enacted legislation includes New York S.4104A (2022), Minnesota S.F. No. 1598 (2023), and California S.B. 244 (2023).