Right to Repair Guide

A Review of laws Generally Applicable to Electronic Equipment and Related to Security Products

In 2022, New York became the first state to enact a “right to repair” law aimed at providing consumers greater access to repair options for electronic devices, extending the lifecycle of consumer electronics and reducing electronic waste. Similar legislative proposals have since been introduced in over 40 states, and a total of five states have enacted right to repair laws applicable to electronics. But far beyond fixing broken smartphones and supporting repair services, such laws would unintentionally create serious risks if applied too broadly. Across the security industry there are concerns that the integrity of security and life safety systems would be put at risk unnecessarily if manufacturers are forced to make sensitive technical information and other means of compromising these systems broadly available. Allowing access to anyone claiming to be an owner or repair provider provides an opportunity for exploitation by bad actors and increases risk of harm from inadvertent misuse. So far, many policymakers have acknowledged the need to address these potential risks to public safety, through exclusions for security and life safety systems included in right to repair laws in New York, California, Minnesota and Colorado in direct response to industry concerns. SIA continues to work closely with lawmakers, member companies and other stakeholders on this important issue. It is important for security companies, particularly manufacturers, to closely track these developments. In the meantime, log in to access this guide indicating which states have adopted right to repair laws and how such laws could impact your business.

This content is for SIA members only.

Log In

All employees of SIA member companies have access rights to this content. If you do not have an account with SIA, click here to create an account.

If you are not a SIA member, click here to join the SIA.