States such as Minnesota, New York and Colorado have similar bills signed where it requires manufacturers to give farmers the tools, manuals and software they need to fix their tractors. Also, ensuring manufacturers of smartphones, laptops, appliances and other equipment to provide independent shops and consumers with the tools and instructions needed to fix their products.
So what’s on California’s plate? Well, the Golden state is considering the legislation, as the state is the most populous state and home to many large technology manufacturers.
The nearly $3 trillion company, Apple has recently sent a letter to California state senator, Susan Talamantes Eggman.
The letter directed the tech company's support for the SB 244 a.k.a. "right to repair" bill:
“Apple supports California’s Right to Repair Act so all Californians have even greater access to repairs while also protecting their safety, security, and privacy,” the company says in a statement provided to TechCrunch. “We create our products to last and, if they ever need to be repaired, Apple customers have a growing range of safe, high-quality repair options.”
SB 244 is fairly expansive; it includes consumer electronics (phones, laptops, etc.) and appliances (microwaves, washing machines, etc.), though a few exceptions have been carved out, including game consoles and alarm systems. The rational for those appear to be piracy and security, respectively.