Requires original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of digital electronic equipment to provide documentation, diagnostic, and repair information to independent repair providers and equipment owners on fair and reasonable terms.
Prohibits OEMs from using parts pairing or other mechanisms to:
Prevent the installation of functional parts, including non-manufacturer approved replacements.
Reduce the functionality of parts when replaced by independent providers or owners.
Create misleading alerts or warnings about parts.
Charge additional fees for future repairs.
Limit the purchase of parts or repair services.
Empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce compliance with the Act, treating violations as unfair or deceptive acts.
Allows state attorneys general to enforce the Act and seek civil penalties or damages for violations.
Requires OEMs to provide access to special documentation and tools for disabling security-related functions when necessary for repair.
Protects OEM trade secrets while ensuring necessary information for repair is provided.
Clarifies that the Act does not interfere with agreements between OEMs and authorized repair providers.
Excludes motor vehicle manufacturers and medical device manufacturers from the Act’s requirements.
Defines key terms such as “authorized repair provider,” “digital electronic equipment,” “documentation,” “independent repair provider,” and others relevant to the legislation.
The Act will take effect 60 days after enactment and applies to equipment sold or in use from that date forward.
