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SB 111

An Act relating to the diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of consumer products that use digital electronics to operate; adding an unlawful act to the Alaska Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act; and providing for an effective date.

34th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Maxine Dibert and 3 co-sponsors

Alaska bill makes manufacturer repair restrictions on digital electronics unlawful, enabling consumer and independent shop repairs while limiting corporate repair monopolies.

(H) CROSS SPONSOR(S): DIBERT
#business #consumeraffairs #contracts #copyrights #corporations #disclosure #licensing #sales #tradepractices
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Bill Summary · SB 111

Legislative bill overview

SB 111 establishes a "right to repair" law in Alaska by making it unlawful for manufacturers to restrict consumers' ability to diagnose, maintain, and repair products containing digital electronics. The bill adds these restrictions to Alaska's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act, giving consumers and independent repair providers legal protections against manufacturer repair monopolies.

Why this is important

Digital devices—from smartphones and laptops to appliances and farm equipment—often cannot be repaired by owners or independent shops due to manufacturer locks, proprietary parts, and restricted access to repair information. This bill would allow consumers to save money on repairs, extend product lifespans, reduce electronic waste, and support independent repair businesses that compete with manufacturer service centers.

Potential points of contention

  • Manufacturer concerns: Companies argue repair restrictions protect intellectual property, ensure product safety/quality, and fund device development; they contend broad "right to repair" laws create liability and security vulnerabilities
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's exact coverage remains unclear—does it apply to all digital devices or specific categories? Does it mandate free access to proprietary software and schematics?
  • Implementation challenges: Businesses may face compliance costs determining what repair restrictions are "unlawful," and enforcement mechanisms against large manufacturers based outside Alaska may prove difficult

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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