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H 433

An Act relative to digital right to repair

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 9 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill requiring manufacturers to provide consumers and independent repair shops access to parts, tools, and documentation for digital devices to reduce waste and repair costs.

Accompanied a new draft, see H4982
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Bill Summary · H 433

Legislative bill overview

H 433 establishes a "right to repair" framework requiring manufacturers of digital products sold in Massachusetts to provide consumers and independent repair shops with access to parts, tools, documentation, and repair information. The bill aims to reduce electronic waste and give consumers greater control over device maintenance and longevity.

Why is this important

Right-to-repair legislation addresses growing consumer frustration with manufacturers that restrict repairs to authorized service centers, often charging premium prices and creating barriers to fixing broken devices. This has real economic impacts—consumers face higher repair costs or premature replacement cycles—and environmental consequences from increased electronic waste in landfills.

Potential points of contention

  • Trade secrets and intellectual property: Manufacturers argue that sharing repair documentation, diagnostic tools, and schematics could expose proprietary technology and enable counterfeiting or security vulnerabilities
  • Safety and liability concerns: Companies claim unauthorized repairs could create product safety risks (particularly for batteries, electronics) and argue they shouldn't be liable for damage from non-professional repairs
  • Economic impact on authorized dealers: Repair networks and authorized service centers may face reduced revenue if independent shops gain equal access to parts and information, potentially affecting their business viability

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

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