What Happened
SB26-090, introduced April 2, passed a Senate hearing unanimously and the full Senate on April 16. It aimed to carve out exceptions to Colorado's Consumer Right to Repair Digital Electronic Equipment law, effective January 2026, for vaguely defined 'critical infrastructure' like networks. On Monday, the House State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee rejected it 7-4 after testimony from repair advocates, cybersecurity experts, and businesses.
Why You Should Care
Colorado owners of phones, laptops, and routers keep legal access to parts and docs for fixes, without tech firms hiding behind 'critical infrastructure' exemptions.
📚 The Basics
Right-to-repair laws require manufacturers to provide repair manuals, parts, tools, and software to owners and independent shops, not just authorized dealers. Colorado's 2024 law covers 'digital electronic equipment' like smartphones, laptops, and Wi-Fi routers. 'Critical infrastructure' refers to essential systems for public safety like power grids or telecom networks, but critics feared vague wording could expand to consumer devices.
🧠 Look Smart At Dinner
Say This
The bill passed the Senate unanimously but died in the House after a packed hearing with repair fans and experts.
Context
Right-to-repair has won in states like New York, Minnesota, and California, pressuring federal action against manufacturer lockouts.
Avoid Saying
'It was just protecting critical infrastructure' — the term was so loose it could've covered your home router.
The Approved Opinion™
“Right-to-repair legislation empowers consumers, cuts e-waste, and fosters competition in the repair market.”
