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Issue pack

Right to Repair

"You bought it. You should be able to fix it."

Right to repair is the rare issue that scrambles the partisan map: fourth-generation farmers and urban fix-it shops on one side, and on the other, manufacturers with lobbying budgets larger than some agencies.

That makes it a masterclass in interest-group politics: the bill's text is a battle over definitions ('parts', 'tools', 'documentation'), and the killing amendments arrive sounding like safety concerns.

The 2 bills you can carry

Same issue, different ambition, and ambition is what the legislature makes you pay for.

Farm Equipment Right-to-Repair

"The Right to Repair (Agriculture) Act"

Difficulty: Contested Impact: Medium

Farmers may repair their own tractors and access diagnostic software.

"I've fixed every tractor on this farm since I was twelve. Now they tell me I can't."

— Carl, fourth-generation farmer
Why it can pass
  • Rural Republicans AND urban progressives support this.
  • Small-business and property-rights framing.
Why it might not
  • Manufacturers warn of 'safety and emissions risks.'
  • Dealer networks will push back hard in rural districts.

Consumer Electronics Right-to-Repair

"The Fair Repair Act"

Difficulty: Uphill Impact: Med-High

Manufacturers must sell parts, tools, and documentation to independent repair shops.

"They're not protecting consumers. They're protecting their replacement sales."

— Dev, independent repair shop owner
Why it can pass
  • Consumers love this. Sierra Club loves this.
  • Reduces e-waste meaningfully.
Why it might not
  • Apple-tier lobbying. The best in the business.
  • 'Security and IP' narratives will flood the committee.