Texas House Bill 2963 aims to secure right to repair for electronic devices

The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened on May 15, 2025, to discuss House Bill 2963, a proposed legislation aimed at enhancing consumer rights regarding the repair of electronic devices. The bill seeks to address the growing concern over the inability of Texans to repair their own devices due to restrictive practices by manufacturers.

The meeting began with a presentation by the bill's author, who emphasized that many Texans face challenges when trying to repair their phones, tablets, and laptops. Independent service providers often lack access to the necessary parts, tools, and documentation, leading consumers to discard devices instead of repairing them. The bill aims to provide consumers with fair access to repair resources, thereby reducing waste and costs associated with electronic devices.

House Bill 2963 outlines three main provisions: it requires manufacturers to make repair information and parts available to consumers and independent repair providers within one year of a product's sale; it includes protections for manufacturers' trade secrets and safety concerns; and it grants the Attorney General the authority to enforce compliance with the law.

Public testimony followed the presentation, with several individuals expressing support for the bill. Grayson Gee from the Texas Public Policy Foundation highlighted the importance of repair as a fundamental aspect of ownership, arguing that consumers should have the right to fix their devices without being forced to rely on manufacturer services. Sofia Dreslinski from Environment Texas underscored the environmental impact of electronic waste, noting that making repairs easier could significantly reduce waste and pollution.

However, not all testimony was in favor of the bill. Representatives from Safelite Auto Glass and LKQ Corporation raised concerns about the bill's implications for the automotive sector. They argued that the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for automotive repairs is non-binding and does not adequately include all manufacturers, potentially leading to enforcement issues.

Committee members engaged in a robust discussion about the bill's scope, with some expressing concerns about its broad application across various sectors. Questions were raised regarding the clarity of exemptions for certain products, such as medical devices and home appliances, and the potential unintended consequences of the legislation.

The meeting concluded with the bill remaining pending for further consideration, as committee members weighed the benefits of consumer repair rights against the complexities of enforcing such regulations across diverse industries. The discussions highlighted the ongoing tension between consumer rights and manufacturer interests, setting the stage for future deliberations on the right to repair in Texas.