Attempt to repeal Colorado's right-to-repair law fails
Colorado's right-to-repair law survived a significant industry-backed challenge when lawmakers rejected a bill that would have created broad exemptions for 'critical infrastructure,' defeating arguments from tech giants like Cisco and IBM that repair access poses cybersecurity risks. This precedent-setting vote signals that state legislatures are increasingly skeptical of corporate security-based arguments against repair legislation, though industry advocates are expected to continue lobbying efforts across other states considering similar laws. For IT organizations, this means preparing for an environment where device repair rights will likely expand, requiring new approaches to security, supply chain management, and customer support strategies.
A controversial bill in Colorado that would have undone some repair protections in the state has failed. The bill had been the target of right-to-repair advocates, who saw it as a bellwether for how tech companies might try to undo repair legislation more broadly in the US. Colorado’s landmark 2024 repair law, the Consumer Right to Repair Digital Electronic Equipment, went into effect in January 2026 and ensured access to tools and documentation people needed to modify and fix digital electronics such as phones, computers, and Wi-Fi routers. The new bill, SB26-090, would have carved out an exception to those repair protections for “critical infrastructure,” a loosely defined term that repair advocates worried could be applied to just about any technology. SB26-090 was introduced during a Colorado Senate hearing on April 2 and was supported by lobbying efforts from companies such as Cisco and IBM. It passed that hearing unanimously. The bill then passed in the Colorado Senate on April 16. On Monday evening, the bill was discussed in a long, delayed hearing in the Colorado House’s State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee. Dozens of supporters and detractors gave public comments. Finally, the bill was shot down in a 7-to-4 vote and classified as postponed indefinitely.Read full article Comments
