Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1531611
RIGHT TO REPAIR IDA Universal January - February 2025 18 Right to Repair in 2025 By Willie Cade, Guest Columnist Buckle up, folks—2025 is shaping up to be a land- mark year for the Right to Repair movement! With 18 state legislatures cham- pioning agricultural repair rights, particularly concern- ing diesel engine controls, and another 20 states doing other product categories, we're on the cusp of a repair revolution that could benefit all electronically controlled products. e incoming administra- tion has pledged significant reforms in this arena. While promises are plentiful, only time will reveal the tangible changes ahead. Meanwhile, antitrust lawsuits—both civil and those initiated by the Federal Trade Commis- sion—are pressing forward, keeping the spotlight on repair rights. Every day, journalists nationwide are shedding light on Right to Repair issues, amplifying the con- versation. In a groundbreaking move, the U.S. Department of Defense is embracing Right to Repair principles. e latest National Defense Authorization Act, particu- larly Section 828, stipulates that the government will only procure goods if con- tractors agree to provide; "fair and reasonable access to all the repair materials, including parts, tools, and information" necessary for maintenance and repair. It's astonishing that such legis- lation is necessary, but here we are. Kudos to Senator Elizabeth Warren for spear- heading this initiative! Globally, Australia is making impressive strides. e Australian Treasurer has unveiled a $900 million National Productivity Fund to encourage states and territories to adopt produc- tivity-enhancing reforms, including a general Right to Repair. is commitment underscores Australia's dedication to empowering consumers, supporting independent repair in- dustries, and promoting sustainability across various sectors. Repairability rating sys- tems are gaining traction worldwide. France has im- plemented such a system by law, and India is developing its own standards. In the United States, major corpo- rations are engaging with DIY enthusiasts, signaling a shi toward more repair-friendly practices. Our neighbor to the north isn't sitting idle either. Can- ada has recently advanced Right to Repair initiatives, empowering consumers to maintain and repair their devices. Notably, the passage of bills that have received 'royal assent' (the final step for legislation to become law in Canada) marks a significant mile- stone in this journey. Heck, even McDonald's ice cream machines can now be fixed thanks to the Librar- ian of Congress! Track the which McDonalds has a working ice cream machine here, https://mcbroken.com At its core, the Right to Repair debate centers on ownership: when you purchase a product, do you truly own it, or does the manufacturer retain con- trol? It seems absurd, but in today's highly consol- idated, monoplistic mar- ket, this is the reality. e rationale behind numerous mega-mergers was that consumers would benefit from better pricing through economies of scale. Howev- er, "scale" now oen serves to extract more from customers, both before and aer a sale. As we navigate this evolv- ing landscape, I encourage you to reach out and ask, "How can I help?".Wheth- er at the state, federal, or international level, your involvement is crucial. With collective effort, 2025 promises to deliver signif- icant advancements in the Right to Repair movement.