Background

On 5 Feb 2024, the Oregon Senate introduced SB 1596 which, if passed as introduced, would require manufacturers to offer the necessary documentation, parts, tools and any device needed to repair electronic equipment available at a “fair cost” and on “reasonable” terms. This would include parts, tools and documentation they already make available to authorized third parties or have in-house. The bill would also ban the practice of companies disabling devices, parts pairing, or voiding warranties for devices fixed without authorized parts.

The bill (as introduced) would not apply to vehicles (ICE or electric), video game consoles, farm equipment, cell phones manufactured before July 1, 2021 or consumer electronic equipment manufactured before July 15, 2015. It also would not require manufacturers to make a new part or remake a discontinued part, and they would not have to make a part to disable and reset a security lock or another security function. [0][1]

The bill is one of 108 measures that have been introduced in the Oregon Senate for the 2024 General Session.

[0] SB 1596 Full Text [PDF]

[1] SB 1596 Legislative History

Market Resolution

This is a forecasting market. Market will close the day before the Regular Session ends (9 Mar 2024)

The market will resolve YES if:

• SB 1596 is passed by the Oregon Legislature and signed by the Governor

• SB 1596 is passed by a Legislative supermajority

• SB 1596 is passed by Oregon Legislature and referred to Oregon Voters

The market will resolve NO if:

• The Oregon Legislature declines to pass SB 1596

• SB 1596 is vetoed by the Governor and the Legislature declines to override the veto

Disclaimer

I do not bet on markets I create in order to avoid motivated reasoning. In the event that I am unable or unavailable to resolve the market, the market may be resolved by Manifold Mods. Any changes to the market description will be noted in the change log.