Contact Congress about S. 3821: Fair Repair Act

Device makers would have to share repair parts, tools, and instructions with owners and independent shops on fair terms. The bill would also limit software locks that block outside repairs, while excluding cars, medical devices, and several other categories.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Fair Repair Act is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Latest action on S. 3821: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects people who own digital devices, independent repair shops, and the companies that make those devices. Owners could have more choices for repairs. Independent shops could get better access to the same repair resources as authorized shops. Manufacturers would have to change some repair policies, but they would not have to cover problems caused by outside repairs.

Why this matters: Many people have limited repair choices when a digital device breaks, and this bill would try to change that. It could make repairs easier, give independent shops a fairer chance, and help people keep devices longer. It could also force manufacturers to share more repair access while keeping some protections for trade secrets, safety, and liability. The real effect would depend on how the Federal Trade Commission and states enforce the law.

Key provisions in S. 3821

• Device makers would have to give owners and independent repair shops what they need to fix covered digital devices. That includes repair instructions, parts, and tools offered on fair terms.
• Fair terms must be at least as good as the terms given to authorized repair shops. Companies also could not add repair rules or burdens that are not needed.
• Device makers could not use parts pairing, which locks a device to approved parts, to block working replacement parts. They also could not slow a device after outside repair, show false or stuck warnings, add extra future repair fees, or limit who can buy parts or do repairs.
• The Federal Trade Commission, the national consumer protection agency, could act against companies that break the repair access rules. The bill treats violations as unfair or deceptive business practices.
• The Federal Trade Commission could write rules to explain how the law works. Those rules would help carry out the Act.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 3821

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about S. 3821

What is S. 3821?

Device makers would have to share repair parts, tools, and instructions with owners and independent shops on fair terms. The bill would also limit software locks that block outside repairs, while excluding cars, medical devices, and several other categories.

How do I support or oppose S. 3821?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about S. 3821?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain S. 3821 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.