WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 5680

Concerning seismic safety in Washington public schools.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by John Braun and 13 co-sponsors

SB 5680 grants a right to repair mobility devices, forcing OEMs to share docs, parts, firmware, and tools with owners and independent providers on fair terms, boosting uptime.

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 5680

SB 5680 — Right to Repair for Mobility Equipment (Chapter 354, 2025 Laws)

Effective date: July 27, 2025

Purpose / Intent

SB 5680 establishes a statutory "right to repair" for mobility devices used by people with physical disabilities. The legislature found that long repair delays threaten users' health, safety, independence, employment, and education, and intends to increase repair options by requiring manufacturers to make documentation, parts, software, firmware, and tools available to device owners and independent repair providers.

Key provisions

  • Right to Repair: An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) must, on fair and reasonable terms and costs, make available to any independent repair provider (IRP) or owner any documentation, parts, embedded software, firmware, or tools intended for use with the mobility device (including updates). These may be provided directly by the OEM or via an authorized repair provider (ARP) or authorized third‑party distributor.
  • Scope of equipment: Covers mobility devices designed for people with physical disabilities, including power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and power assist devices for manual wheelchairs.
  • Definition examples: “Documentation,” “embedded software,” “firmware,” “parts,” “tools,” “authorized repair provider,” and “independent repair provider” are defined in the bill; documentation must generally be provided at no charge (printed copies may carry reasonable reproduction/shipping costs).
  • Fair and reasonable terms: For parts, prices/terms should be equivalent to those offered to ARPs (accounting for discounts, timely delivery, functionality restoration, etc.). If OEM does not use ARPs, cost should reflect the OEM's actual cost to prepare and deliver the item (excluding R&D).
  • IRP notice requirement (adopted amendment): Before providing services or repairs, an IRP must give the consumer written notice (hard copy or electronic) stating (1) the IRP is not an OEM authorized repair provider, and (2) whether the IRP uses any new or used replacement parts from suppliers other than the OEM.
  • Liability: OEMs and ARPs are not liable for damage or injury caused by an IRP or owner during service unless the damage stems from an OEM/ARP design or manufacturing defect. OEMs do not warrant IRP services.

Exceptions and limitations

  • OEMs are not required to sell parts that are no longer available to the OEM's ARPs.
  • OEMs need not divulge trade secrets beyond what is necessary to provide the required materials on fair and reasonable terms and costs.
  • The act is not intended to alter agreements between OEMs and ARPs; OEMs/ARPs are not required to provide IRPs access to information that the OEM provides to ARPs under their agreement (beyond the required documentation).
  • Enforcement is limited to the Attorney General — violations are treated as violations of the Consumer Protection Act and enforceable solely by the Attorney General.

Who is affected

  • Mobility device OEMs (manufacturers and suppliers)
  • Authorized repair providers and authorized third‑party distributors
  • Independent repair providers (shops and individuals not affiliated with OEMs)
  • Owners and lessees of mobility devices (people with disabilities, caregivers, institutions)
  • Attorney General’s office (enforcement responsibilities)

Procedural timeline / status

  • Introduced: Feb 6, 2025
  • Passed Senate: Apr 22, 2025 (48–0)
  • Passed House (as amended): Apr 11, 2025 (95–0)
  • Delivered to Governor: Apr 25, 2025
  • Governor signed: May 19, 2025 (Chapter 354, 2025 Laws)
  • Effective date: July 27, 2025

Potential impacts (practical effects)

  • Increases repair options and potentially shortens downtime for critical mobility equipment by enabling owners and IRPs to obtain necessary parts, tools, and information.
  • Reduces OEM control over the repair ecosystem while preserving certain protections for trade secrets and parts availability.
  • May expand local repair capacity (independent shops) and reduce dependence on OEM-authorized services, but could raise questions about standards for complex, clinically sensitive adjustments (the bill limits OEM obligations for certain trade secrets and does not require clinical oversight).
  • Enforcement centralized with the Attorney General, rather than private litigants.

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

Sign in to ask a question.