HB476 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Marilyn LandsRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Consumer protection; electronics manufacturers required to allow repair of goods; civil penalties for violations

Summary

HB476 would require electronics manufacturers to allow repair by consumers and independent repair providers, with civil penalties and private enforcement for violations.

What This Bill Does

The bill requires manufacturers to provide repair documentation, software, and tools to consumers and independent repair providers on fair and reasonable terms, and to avoid unfair access barriers. It also requires replacement parts to be available for at least five years after the product's last production date, offered on fair terms without requiring additional services. Violations could trigger penalties up to $10,000 per violation, and consumers or independent repair providers could sue to enforce the rights; exemptions for certain equipment can be granted with justification reviewed by the Attorney General, and manufacturers would not be liable for damages from repairs conducted by compliant consumers or independent repair providers.

Who It Affects

• Consumers who purchase or lease electronic equipment would gain access to repair documentation, software, and tools, enabling self-repair or repairs by independent providers.
• Manufacturers would need to provide access to repair resources, face potential penalties for violations, and may seek exemptions with AG review; independent repair providers would gain access to resources to repair devices.

Key Provisions

• Manufacturers must make repair documentation, software, and tools available to consumers and independent repair providers on fair and reasonable terms.
• Access to repair documentation, tools, or software cannot be unreasonably restricted, except as allowed under exemptions in Section 6.
• Replacement parts must be available for at least five years after the product's last production date and offered on fair terms without forcing additional services.
• Exemptions from unrestricted access can be granted for specific equipment where unrestricted access poses public safety, health, or privacy risks, based on justified, evidence-supported reasons and reviewed by the Attorney General.
• Penalties up to $10,000 per violation; private civil actions are allowed to enforce rights under the act.
• Manufacturers are not liable for damages from repairs conducted by consumers or independent repair providers if they have complied with the act.
• The act becomes effective October 1, 2025.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Consumer Protection