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Bill

SB 90

Exempt Critical Infrastructure from Right to Repair

2026 Regular Session

Colorado bill exempting critical infrastructure equipment manufacturers from right-to-repair laws, restricting repairs and diagnostic access for essential service systems.

House Committee on State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Postpone Indefinitely
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Bill Summary · SB 90

Legislative bill overview

SB 90 would create exemptions from Colorado's right-to-repair laws for equipment classified as critical infrastructure. The bill allows manufacturers of systems used in utilities, transportation, communications, and other essential services to restrict repairs, modifications, and access to diagnostic information. These exemptions would apply even if similar non-critical products face right-to-repair requirements under state law.

Why is this important

Right-to-repair laws have expanded consumer and business access to repair services and spare parts, potentially reducing costs and e-waste. This bill directly conflicts with that trend by carving out a broad category of equipment, affecting hospitals, power plants, water systems, and other essential services. The practical impact depends heavily on how "critical infrastructure" is defined—overly broad definitions could exempt most commercial equipment from repair protections.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: "Critical infrastructure" lacks a precise statutory definition in the bill summary, potentially allowing manufacturers to claim exemptions for equipment that isn't truly essential to public safety
  • Manufacturer control over security: Restricting third-party repairs and diagnostics could either enhance cybersecurity (manufacturer argument) or create single points of failure and reduce security transparency (critic argument)
  • Economic impact on repair businesses: Could eliminate an entire market segment for independent repair shops, technicians, and spare parts suppliers who service infrastructure equipment
  • Consumer/operator costs: Infrastructure operators (municipalities, utilities, hospitals) may face higher repair and maintenance costs without competition from independent repairers

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

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