A new bill signed by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul on Wednesday will make it easier for New Yorkers to get their electronics like cell phones and tablets fixed.

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The bill, sponsored by State Senator Neil Breslin, will require electronic equipment manufacturers to provide diagnostic and repair information to independent repair providers.

Titled the "Digital Fair Repair Act," the bill as written states "This bill requires original equipment manufacturers (OEM) to make diagnostic and repair information for digital electronic parts and equipment available to independent repair providers and consumers if such parts and repair information are also available to OEM authorized repair providers."

So that means if you break your phone because you're like me and refuse to put a protective case on it, you don't need to bring it to an authorized repair provider for the company that manufactured the device. You can take it to any repair shop that you trust or can find a better price for repairs at, and those independent repair shops will have access to the same information about the device that the original manufacturer has.

Not only does the bill require manufacturers to share that information with independent repair providers, but it also requires that manufactures share the information directly with consumers. So if you have the tools and skill to make repairs to your electronics yourself, original equipment manufacturers will be required to share the information on how to make the repairs with you which will undoubtedly save you a few dollars.

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