Washington Governor Signs Right-to-Repair Law Expanding Consumer Electronics Fix Rights

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed several significant consumer protection laws, including a right-to-appraisal bill for auto insurance disputes and a comprehensive digital right to repair law. The right-to-appraisal law gives policyholders a clear method to resolve valuation disputes with insurers without legal representation, marking the end of a six-year effort to pass the bill. The digital right to repair law, effective January 1, 2026, requires manufacturers of digital electronic products to provide parts, tools, and documentation necessary for repair to independent providers and consumers on fair terms, also prohibiting parts pairing practices that restrict repairs. This law aligns Washington with other states like New York, California, and Oregon in empowering consumers, reducing e-waste, and extending repair rights to nearly 8 million residents. Consumer advocates praised the legislation for promoting affordability and sustainability, while some manufacturers initially expressed concerns over digital security. Additionally, Ferguson signed a student rights law ensuring safe and private learning environments, which has sparked debate over parental rights and student privacy in schools.