2022’s been a BIG year for the right to repair movement and all consumers who want the freedom to repair the products they own – including cars, electronic devices, and more – how and where they choose.
Let’s reflect on some of the year’s highlights:
- APRIL: Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and 10 other members of Congress sent a letter to the chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division drawing attention to “Big Tech’s creeping capture and takeover of the automobile industry.” In November, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) penned a separate letter echoing these sentiments.
- JUNE: Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in support of consumers’ right to repair their vehicles. Later that month, the FTC took action against Harley Davidson and Westinghouse for “illegally restricting” their customers’ right to repair purchased products.
- AUGUST: Local auto repair shops and supporters in Maine launched an effort to get automotive right to repair on the state’s 2023 ballot.
- SEPTEMBER: House Small Business and House Rules subcommittees held hearings on right to repair, where autos were top of mind.
- NOVEMBER: Fox News aired a package on auto right to repair featuring Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation (SMART) Act sponsor Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) and president and CEO of VIP Tires & Service, Tim Winkeler. Earlier in the month, the FTC released a new policy statement, building on its “Nixing the Fix” report, noting that the Commission plans to “exercise its full statutory authority” against anticompetitive market behavior.
- DECEMBER: As part of the FY2023 government funding package, President Joe Biden signed bill language from Congress calling on the FTC to address unfair repair restrictions impacting cars and other items. Separately, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) signed into law the nation’s first electronic right to repair bill, marking a milestone achievement.
There’s no doubt that the right to repair movement has made major strides this year, thanks to continued dedication and hard work from advocacy groups, businesses, consumers, and government officials.
As we look to next year, it’s up to Congress to continue the charge by advancing national solutions, like the Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation (SMART) Act and the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act, to lower costs and restore choice around repairs.
Carry the momentum into 2023 by encouraging your officials to support right to repair today.
