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Hearings

Right to Repair and What it Means for Entrepreneurs

Wednesday, September 14, 2022 | 10:00 AM
The Committee on Small Business Subcommittee on Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development will hold a hybrid hearing titled: “Right to Repair and What it Means for Entrepreneurs.” The hearing is scheduled to begin at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 in Room 2360 of the Rayburn House Office Building. Participating members can also join remotely via Zoom.

Many of today’s consumer electronics and automobiles have become increasingly more difficult to fix or maintain. Oftentimes, the diagnostic software and component parts necessary for repairs are not easily accessible. This may be a result of repair restrictions created by the manufacturers of these items. Not only does this result in massive amounts of electronic waste, but it inhibits opportunities for independent businesses to repair items, increases costs on consumers and small firms, and is inconvenient for individuals in rural areas. This hearing will examine the impacts of these types of restrictions on small businesses. Members will hear from experts and small businesses about practices that restrict repair, how those practices harm independent businesses, and what policy proposals exist to address them. 

To view a livestream of the hearing, click here

Hearing Notice

Hearing Memo

Witnesses

Ms. Gay Gordon-Byrne
Executive Director
Digital Right to Repair Coalition
North River, NY
Testimony 

Mr. Brian Clark
Co-Owner
The iGuys’ Tech Shop, LLC
Conway, NH
Testimony 

Mr. Jim Gerritsen
Marketing Manager
Wood Prairie Family Farm
Bridgewater, ME
Testimony 
 
Mr. Ken Taylor
President
Ohio Machinery Co. 
Broadview Heights, OH 
*Testifying on behalf of the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) in his capacity as 2022 Chairman
Testimony 
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