Attempt to repeal Colorado’s right-to-repair law fails

In a significant victory for right-to-repair advocates, a contentious bill aimed at undermining repair protections in Colorado has been rejected. This proposed legislation was viewed as a critical indicator of the potential for tech companies to challenge similar repair laws across the United States. Enacted in January 2026, Colorado's Consumer Right to Repair Digital Electronic Equipment law guarantees access to essential tools and information necessary for individuals to repair digital devices such as smartphones, computers, and routers. The new bill, designated SB26-090, sought to create exemptions for 'critical infrastructure,' a vaguely defined term that raised concerns among advocates about its broad applicability to various technologies. Introduced during a Colorado Senate hearing on April 2, the bill garnered support from major tech firms including Cisco and IBM, and successfully passed through the Senate with unanimous backing. However, during a lengthy session in the Colorado House’s State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee, the bill faced intense scrutiny. Numerous supporters and opponents voiced their opinions, leading to a decisive 7-to-4 vote against the bill, which resulted in its indefinite postponement. Danny Katz, executive director of CoPIRG, a local consumer advocacy organization, highlighted the collaborative effort behind this victory. A diverse coalition of repair advocates from organizations such as PIRG, Repair.org, iFixit, and Consumer Reports, along with local businesses and environmental groups like Blue Star Recyclers and Environment Colorado, rallied against the bill. Katz noted in a post-hearing email to WIRED, "While we were making progress at chipping away at the momentum for it, we had still been losing. So, we took nothing for granted. I believe the incredible testimony from cybersecurity experts, businesses, recyclers, and everyday people who want the freedom to fix their own devices made a significant impact."