Latest news with #HouseBill1483
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Washington consumers will gain ‘right to repair' cellphones and other electronics
Photo by Getty Images. Washington is joining a growing list of states trying to tear down barriers for consumers who want to repair their electronics rather than buy new ones. Gov. Bob Ferguson last week signed the state's new 'right to repair' policy into law. The goal of House Bill 1483 is to allow consumers to fix their devices instead of throwing them away and buying new ones. It was a yearslong effort to get the law approved. 'This is a win for every person in Washington state,' said the bill's prime sponsor, Rep. Mia Gregerson, D-SeaTac. 'We all know that we want to keep our devices longer. We want to be able to connect with our loved ones.' In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission reported that consumers with broken electronics don't have much choice but to replace them because repairs require specialized tools, unique parts and inaccessible proprietary software. And those restrictions, the FTC found, disproportionately burden communities of color and low-income communities. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues as access to technology quickly became increasingly vital. Apple has since made moves to improve the repairability of its products. Some companies engage in a practice called 'parts pairing' that can make replacing parts of a device impossible. Washington's new law would largely outlaw this tactic. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, the law will require manufacturers to make tools, parts and documentation needed for diagnostics and maintenance available to independent repair businesses. The requirement applies to digital electronics, like computers, cellphones and appliances, that were first sold in Washington after July 1, 2021. Manufacturers won't be able to use parts that inhibit repairs. The state attorney general's office could enforce violations of the new law under the Consumer Protection Act. Critics argued the bill could harm businesses' reputations if repairs aren't completed correctly, and potentially leave users' personal information unsecured. But some tech giants backed the legislation. Google, for example, thanked the governor for signing it. 'This is a significant win for consumers, and will provide them more affordable ways to repair their devices while reducing waste,' a spokesperson said in an email. Microsoft said its 'Surface PCs are among the most repairable in their class — and we view this law as a meaningful step toward reducing waste, empowering consumers, and advancing a more circular economy.' State lawmakers across the country have introduced similar legislation in recent years. Five states now have laws on the books: California, Colorado, Minnesota, New York and Oregon. Massachusetts and Maine have such laws focused on car repairs. Southwest Washington U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a Democrat, has led the charge in Congress for national right to repair laws focused on cars, electronics and military equipment. Before joining Congress, Gluesenkamp Perez co-owned an auto repair shop. Late last month, the U.S. Army, at the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, announced it would seek 'right to repair' provisions in all of its contracts. Ferguson also signed a similar repair bill focused on wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Both measures had strong bipartisan support. This story was originally produced by the Washington State Standard which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network, including the Daily Montanan, supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Washington state consumers will gain ‘right to repair' cellphones and other electronics
(Photo by) Washington is joining a growing list of states trying to tear down barriers for consumers who want to repair their electronics rather than buy new ones. Gov. Bob Ferguson last week signed the state's new 'right to repair' policy into law. The goal of House Bill 1483 is to allow consumers to fix their devices instead of throwing them away and buying new ones. It was a yearslong effort to get the law approved. 'This is a win for every person in Washington state,' said the bill's prime sponsor, Rep. Mia Gregerson, D-SeaTac. 'We all know that we want to keep our devices longer. We want to be able to connect with our loved ones.' In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission reported that consumers with broken electronics don't have much choice but to replace them because repairs require specialized tools, unique parts and inaccessible proprietary software. And those restrictions, the FTC found, disproportionately burden communities of color and low-income communities. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues as access to technology quickly became increasingly vital. Apple has since made moves to improve the repairability of its products. Some companies engage in a practice called 'parts pairing' that can make replacing parts of a device impossible. Washington's new law would largely outlaw this tactic. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, the law will require manufacturers to make tools, parts and documentation needed for diagnostics and maintenance available to independent repair businesses. The requirement applies to digital electronics, like computers, cellphones and appliances, that were first sold in Washington after July 1, 2021. Manufacturers won't be able to use parts that inhibit repairs. The state attorney general's office could enforce violations of the new law under the Consumer Protection Act. Critics argued the bill could harm businesses' reputations if repairs aren't completed correctly, and potentially leave users' personal information unsecured. But some tech giants backed the legislation. Google, for example, thanked the governor for signing it. 'This is a significant win for consumers, and will provide them more affordable ways to repair their devices while reducing waste,' a spokesperson said in an email. Microsoft said its 'Surface PCs are among the most repairable in their class — and we view this law as a meaningful step toward reducing waste, empowering consumers, and advancing a more circular economy.' State lawmakers across the country have introduced similar legislation in recent years. Five states now have laws on the books: California, Colorado, Minnesota, New York and Oregon. Massachusetts and Maine have such laws focused on car repairs. Southwest Washington U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a Democrat, has led the charge in Congress for national right to repair laws focused on cars, electronics and military equipment. Before joining Congress, Gluesenkamp Perez co-owned an auto repair shop. Late last month, the U.S. Army, at the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, announced it would seek 'right to repair' provisions in all of its contracts. Ferguson also signed a similar repair bill focused on wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Both measures had strong bipartisan support. Editor's note: North Carolina lawmakers have introduced different versions of 'right to repair' legislation in recent years, but the proposals have not gained traction. Two bills from the 2025 session — House Bill 460 and House Bill 938 — would expand the right for, respectively, medical equipment and digital electronics, but neither was heard in committee prior to the May 8 crossover deadline. This report was first published by the Washington State Standard, which like NC Newsline, is part of the national States Newsroom network.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WA consumers will gain ‘right to repair' cellphones and other electronics
(Photo by) Washington is joining a growing list of states trying to tear down barriers for consumers who want to repair their electronics rather than buy new ones. Gov. Bob Ferguson last week signed the state's new 'Right to Repair' policy into law. The goal of House Bill 1483 is to allow consumers to fix their devices instead of throwing them away and buying new ones. It was a yearslong effort to get the law approved. 'This is a win for every person in Washington state,' said the bill's prime sponsor, Rep. Mia Gregerson, D-SeaTac. 'We all know that we want to keep our devices longer. We want to be able to connect with our loved ones.' In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission reported that consumers with broken electronics don't have much choice but to replace them because repairs require specialized tools, unique parts and inaccessible proprietary software. And those restrictions, the FTC found, disproportionately burden communities of color and low-income communities. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues as access to technology quickly became increasingly vital. Apple has since made moves to improve the repairability of its products. Some companies engage in a practice called 'parts pairing' that can make replacing parts of a device impossible. Washington's new law would largely outlaw this tactic. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, the law will require manufacturers to make tools, parts and documentation needed for diagnostics and maintenance available to independent repair businesses. The requirement applies to digital electronics, like computers, cellphones and appliances, that were first sold in Washington after July 1, 2021. Manufacturers won't be able to use parts that inhibit repairs. The state attorney general's office could enforce violations of the new law under the Consumer Protection Act. Critics argued the bill could harm businesses' reputations if repairs aren't completed correctly, and potentially leave users' personal information unsecured. But some tech giants backed the legislation. Google, for example, thanked the governor for signing it. 'This is a significant win for consumers, and will provide them more affordable ways to repair their devices while reducing waste,' a spokesperson said in an email. Microsoft said its 'Surface PCs are among the most repairable in their class — and we view this law as a meaningful step toward reducing waste, empowering consumers, and advancing a more circular economy.' State lawmakers across the country have introduced similar legislation in recent years. Five states now have laws on the books: California, Colorado, Minnesota, New York and Oregon. Massachusetts and Maine have such laws focused on car repairs. Southwest Washington U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a Democrat, has led the charge in Congress for national Right to Repair laws focused on cars, electronics and military equipment. Before joining Congress, Gluesenkamp Perez co-owned an auto repair shop. Late last month, the U.S. Army, at the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, announced it would seek 'Right to Repair' provisions in all of its contracts. Ferguson also signed a similar repair bill focused on wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Both measures had strong bipartisan support. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tax exemption for oil wells outside North Dakota core areas approved by Senate
A gas flare burns in front of an oil pump jack near Killdeer, North Dakota, on Feb. 1, 2024. (Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor) A bill to create tax incentives for oil drilling outside of North Dakota's primary production areas passed the Senate on Monday, along with a possible study of the rising number of low-producing wells and their tax status. The Senate Finance and Taxation Committee amended House Bill 1483 to increase the amount of oil that could be produced under the tax break and lengthen the time period that the break would be in effect. Most of North Dakota's oil comes from the Bakken and Three Forks formations. The bill would encourage development in other geologic formations. Ron Ness, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, previously testified that North Dakota has 10 other formations with oil production potential. The first 300,000 barrels of oil produced during the first 36 months after a well is completed outside the Bakken and Three Forks formations would be taxed at a lower rate — 2% of the gross value of the oil. The typical oil extraction tax rate is 5%. North Dakota sees uptick in oil wells that qualify for tax exemption Rep. Chuck Walen, R-New Town, said the wells would still produce tax revenue in other ways, such as sales taxes. In addition, the wells would still be subject to the 5% gross production tax, which is paid in lieu of property taxes. The tax break does not apply to wells within a reservation unless the tribe opts in, under the amended bill. The bill also says Legislative Management shall consider a study of low-producing wells, known as stripper wells. Low-producing Bakken and Three Forks wells become exempt from the extraction tax after 12 consecutive months of producing no more than 35 barrels per day. The interim legislative study would examine the fiscal impact of the exemption and alternative tax policies for stripper wells. Some lawmakers have questioned whether it's good tax policy to allow wells to be classified as stripper wells forever, even if their production increases in the future with enhanced oil recovery. Nearly half of all North Dakota oil wells now qualify for the stripper well tax exemption. The Senate changes will need to be adopted by the House or differences can be resolved in a conference committee. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill seeks to expand North Dakota's oil footprint with tax breaks
A workover rig is shown at an oil production site on Sept. 21, 2024, in Williams County, N.D. (Kyle Martin/For the North Dakota Monitor) A bill seeks to encourage drilling for oil outside of North Dakota's highly productive Bakken Formation and take advantage of the Trump administration's desire for U.S. energy dominance. 'Drill, baby, drill is real,' Ron Ness, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council said Tuesday, repeating a Republican mantra for oil and gas development. Ness was testifying in support of House Bill 1483, which would expand an oil extraction tax exemption outside the Bakken and Three Forks formations. The Bakken has produced more than 5 billion barrels of oil, mostly since 2007, Ness said. But he said North Dakota has 10 other oil production zones that have potential. While the Bakken is dominated by large, publicly traded companies, Ness said the tax break would encourage more drilling by smaller operators, or wildcatters, 'trying to to find the next big thing.' North Dakota has a 5% oil extraction tax and a 5% oil production tax. The law already allows a 2% oil extraction rate for some oil produced outside of the Bakken and Three Forks formations. Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum confirmed as Interior secretary The bill would expand the area of the tax break and increase the amount of oil that would be taxed at the lower rate from 75,000 barrels to 90,000 barrels, though there was some sentiment among the committee that the 90,000 barrel figure should be higher to increase the incentive. The lower tax rate would cut off after 18 months if the production figure is not reached. Ness said North Dakota should be trying to attract drilling outside the Bakken to compete with the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico, which has been successful in attracting drilling outside of its core production area. 'We've put all of our eggs in this basket of the Bakken,' Ness said. The state Tax Department estimated that the bill would cost the state $2.2 million in revenue over the next two fiscal years and just over $2 million in the two years after that. North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources Director Nathan Anderson agreed that there should be more activity outside the Bakken. 'Right now, these wells aren't getting drilled, so the tax base on these wells is zero,' he said. There was no opposition testimony filed or presented to the House Finance and Taxation Committee, which took no action on the bill. North Dakota, which ranks third in the nation in oil production, produced an average of nearly 1.2 million barrels of oil per day in November. About 3%, or just over 31,000 barrels per day, came from oil wells outside of the Bakken and Three Forks formations, according to the Department of Mineral Resources. Ness said the timing is right for these incentives to take advantage of the 'Trump effect' with Doug Burgum, North Dakota's former governor, now leading the Department of the Interior. Burgum on Monday signed orders addressing what President Donald Trump declared as a national energy emergency and another calling for a review of all agency actions that could hinder development of domestic energy. Rep. Craig Headland, R-Montpelier, sponsored the North Dakota bill, which he said is aimed at 'feeding our golden goose.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
