New York state legislature has passed some solid laws recently. Just yesterday, they passed legislation making it law to be 21 to buy a semi-auto rifle. Outside of that, they also passed the United States’ first “right to repair” bill for electronics.

The Fair Repair Act requires all manufacturers to sell digital electronic products within the state’s borders to make tools, parts, and instructions for normal individuals to repair their products.

The legislature is awaiting the signature of Governor Kathy Hochul and the measure is expected to take effect one year after it has passed into law.

“The passage of this bill means that repairs should become less expensive and more comprehensive: people who want to fix their own stuff can. Where before, manufacturers could push consumers to use manufacturer-authorized shops, now they’ll have to compete.”

iFixit said in a blog.

President Biden issued an executive order last year that called on the FTC to enforce repair rights. New York isn’t the first state to pass a right to repair bill, but it is however the first such bill to require the law for electronics broadly.

• Massachusetts formed a law that focused on automotive data.

• Colorado formed a law that ensures repair rights for powered wheelchairs.

In the New York legislation, the language includes exceptions for home appliances, agricultural equipment, and medical devices.

As New York works to get the bill up and running, it seems the state will be a guideline for others. Manuals produced by the companies in New York will soon spread like wildfire throughout the world. Software measures will also be much more impractical. This could possibly lead to broad changes in the design and maintenance of electronics.