I'm Just a Bill: Right to Repair (H.R.906)

πŸ‘€ I’m Just a Bill β€” Right to Repair (H.R.906)

A Liana Banyan “I’m Just a Bill” Bounty Poster

What is this bill?

H.R.906 in the 119th Congress would establish federal Right-to-Repair protections covering consumer electronics, agricultural equipment, and automotive systems. State-level Right-to-Repair laws have passed in multiple states; this bill would set a federal floor.

What does it actually do?

  • Manufacturer obligations: Manufacturers must make repair documentation, parts, and software tools available to independent repair shops and end-users.
  • Anti-circumvention: Prohibits manufacturers from using software locks to prevent third-party repair.
  • Agricultural equipment: Specifically addresses tractor and farm equipment lockouts that have been a flashpoint for farmers.
  • Consumer electronics: Phones, laptops, appliances covered.
  • Enforcement: FTC authority to enforce; private right of action included.

Who votes when?

  • House Energy & Commerce + Judiciary: Active consideration
  • Senate companion: Pending
  • President: Signature dependent on chamber action

How does this affect cooperative-class families?

Composes directly with two cooperative initiatives:

  • #16 Brass Tacks (Dale Dougherty + maker economy) β€” Right-to-Repair is a foundational principle of the maker movement; H.R.906 codifies what makers have been arguing for two decades.
  • #2 Let’s Get Groceries (Stacy Mitchell + ILSR cooperative-grocery model) β€” agricultural-equipment repair access directly affects farmer-cooperative supply chains and local food economy viability.

Shirley Temple Truth Score

🟑 Provisional β€” Council vote pending.

Help Each Other Help Ourselves.