The right to repair is centered on the fundamental tension between consumer’s property rights and manufacturer-imposed repair restrictions. As research demonstrates, manufacturers of electronics, agricultural equipment, and household appliances (among other industries) have increasingly leveraged intellectual property laws, digital locks, and restrictive service agreements to limit who can repair their products. These restrictions not only increase costs for consumers but also undermine the broader principles of ownership. The question at the heart of this conversation asks whether a person who buys a product has the right to fix it. Historically, property rights have favored the owner, yet in today’s technology-driven marketplace, manufacturers retain control long after the initial sale, often through embedded software protections and contractual restrictions.
This shift represents a significant departure from traditional notions of ownership and has sparked a nationwide movement advocating for legislative action to restore consumers’ ability to repair their own goods. In the 89th legislative session, the Texas Legislature has a unique opportunity to craft policy that reflects the needs of Texans—whether they are farmers struggling with tractor software restrictions, small business owners fighting for fair competition, or everyday consumers burdened by costly repairs. By enacting a right to repair law, Texas can ensure that its residents have the freedom to maintain and repair their property without undue interference and restrictions.