Summary:

 Senate Bill 69 (SB 69):  The "Right to Repair Consumer Electronics Act" proposed by the New Mexico legislature is a significant piece of legislation designed to empower consumers and independent repair providers with the ability to maintain, diagnose, and repair their electronic devices. This act focuses on ensuring that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) provide necessary resources like documentation, tools, and parts under fair and reasonable terms. 

Legislation Overview:

 Senate Bill 69 (SB 69):  Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) Obligations: OEMs are required to provide independent repair providers and consumers with the same tools, parts, and documentation that they offer to their authorized service providers. This includes ensuring that these resources are available at fair costs and not using parts pairing to inhibit repairs by third parties.

Consumer and Repair Provider Rights: The act outlines specific rights for consumers and duties for repair providers, including the provision of detailed repair certifications and disclosure about the use of non-original parts.

Protection of Trade Secrets: The Act stipulates that OEMs are not required to reveal trade secrets, except as necessary to comply with the requirements of providing repair documentation and tools.

Exemptions and Limitations: Certain products and situations are exempt from the act, such as motor vehicles and medical devices. The act also specifies that it does not require OEMs to provide parts or documentation for products they no longer manufacture or support.

Enforcement and Penalties: The attorney general can enforce the act, with the ability to impose penalties for non-compliance, which can include fines up to $1,000 per day for ongoing violations.

Effectiveness and Future Reporting: The Act mandates that the attorney general report on the implementation and challenges of the act by December 31, 2028, ensuring ongoing oversight of its effectiveness.

This act reflects a growing trend towards enabling greater consumer choice and promoting sustainability by making it easier to repair and extend the life of electronic products. It balances the rights of consumers and repair providers with the interests of manufacturers, aiming to foster a competitive repair market while safeguarding intellectual property rights.

The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2025