Virginia House Bill 1251 Fails in Subcommittee, Ending Push for Digital Right to Repair Act

Sep 15, 2026, 12:00 PM ET

Lawmakers in a wood-paneled hearing room with a document labeled HB1251

House Bill 1251, the Digital Right to Repair Act, has stalled in the Virginia House of Delegates during the 2026 Regular Session. Introduced by Delegate Jackie Glass of the 93rd District, the measure sought to mandate that original equipment manufacturers provide essential repair resources to equipment owners and independent repair providers. The bill failed to advance following a subcommittee review on February 12, 2026.

Delegate Glass, representing parts of Norfolk, presented HB1251 as a means to ensure access to diagnostics, tools, service documentation, and firmware for digital electronic equipment. The legislation amends Section 59.1-200 of the Code of Virginia, which outlines prohibited practices under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act, and introduces a new Chapter 60 in Title 59.1 dedicated to the Digital Right to Repair Act.

Key provisions require original equipment manufacturers of digital electronic equipment to make available, on fair and reasonable terms, documentation, parts, and tools—including any updates—necessary for the diagnosis, maintenance, or repair of such equipment. This includes support for owners directly performing repairs as well as independent repair providers operating outside authorized service networks. For devices featuring electronic security locks or other security-related functions, manufacturers must supply special documentation, parts, and tools to disable these features and reset them afterward.

The bill establishes definitions for critical terms, such as ‘digital electronic equipment,’ ‘independent repair provider,’ and ‘original equipment manufacturer.’ It also creates a framework for resolving disputes over what constitutes fair and reasonable terms through arbitration. This process outlines timelines for proceedings, methods for selecting arbitrators, and mechanisms to enforce agreements, aiming to balance manufacturer obligations with practical implementation.

Violations of these requirements classify as prohibited practices under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act, subjecting non-compliant manufacturers to existing enforcement mechanisms and potential civil penalties. The measure applies broadly to consumer electronics and appliances, encompassing items like smartphones, laptops, household appliances, and potentially vehicle diagnostic systems, as noted in legislative discussions surrounding repair access for automobiles.

HB1251 entered the legislative process with introduction around mid-January 2026. It was referred to the House Committee on Commerce and Energy, where it progressed to a subcommittee for detailed examination. On February 12, 2026, the subcommittee considered a print of the bill but ultimately did not recommend further action, effectively ending its path in the House. No full committee vote or floor consideration occurred.

The bill’s focus on expanding repair options aligns with ongoing efforts to address manufacturer restrictions on parts and technical information, which have limited repair choices for Virginia consumers. By mandating equitable access, HB1251 would have supported a competitive repair ecosystem, enabling local shops and individual owners to maintain equipment without reliance on manufacturer-authorized services. This could extend product lifespans, benefiting households through reduced replacement costs and bolstering small repair businesses across the Commonwealth.

No fiscal impact statement specific to HB1251 was highlighted in available legislative records, suggesting minimal direct costs to state agencies. The Department of Planning and Budget typically reviews such bills, but no significant budgetary implications were reported for this measure.

As part of the 2026 session’s broader technology and consumer protection agenda, HB1251 joins other initiatives like HB1324 targeting agricultural equipment repairs. Though it did not succeed, the bill underscores growing attention to ownership rights over purchased goods and the role of independent service providers in Virginia’s economy. Delegate Glass continues to serve on relevant committees, including those addressing economic development and consumer issues.

The failure in subcommittee reflects the challenges of regulating manufacturer practices in a state with a strong emphasis on business innovation and market freedoms. With the session progressing toward its conclusion, remaining opportunities for similar legislation may arise through companion bills or future sessions.

Email the Norfolk City Council:
Kenneth Alexander, mayor@norfolk.gov,
Martin Thomas, martin.thomas@norfolk.gov,
Courtney Doyle, courtney.doyle@norfolk.gov,
Mamie Johnson, mamie.johnson@norfolk.gov,
John Paige, john.paige@norfolk.gov,
Thomas Smigiel, thomas.smigiel@norfolk.gov,
Jeremy McGee, jeremy.mcgee@norfolk.gov,
Carlos Clanton, carlos.clanton@norfolk.gov,

Email the Norfolk School Board:
Tiffany Moore-Buffaloe, tiffany.buffaloe@nps.k12.va.us,
Sarah DiCalogero, sarah.dicalogero@nps.k12.va.us,
Tanya Bhasin, tbhasin@nps.k12.va.us,
Adale Martin, amartin@nps.k12.va.us,
Kenneth Paulson, ken.paulson@nps.k12.va.us,
Jodi Slaughter, jodi.slaughter@nps.k12.va.us,
Alfreda Thomas, alfreda.thomas@nps.k12.va.us,

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