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Vermont Edition
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Vermont Edition

From smartphones to tractors, lawmakers push for 'right to repair' high-tech stuff

By Connor Cyrus,
Matthew F Smith
Published February 22, 2023 at 1:28 PM EST
A farmer in Saint-Simon, Quebec harvests soybeans in October 2019. The technology and software in smartphones, medical devices, tractors and other items is the focus of two bills in the State House looking to ensure an individual's "right to repair."
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A farmer in Saint-Simon, Quebec, harvests soybeans in October 2019. The technology and software in smartphones, medical devices, tractors and other items is the focus of two bills in the State House looking to ensure an individual's 'right to repair.'

High-tech computer chips and software are now in everything from coffee makers to cars and tractors. But when that technology breaks or the software glitches, are you able to fix it? We'll talk with a lawmaker pursing 'right to repair' laws to make it easier for individuals and repair shops to do the work.

Our guests are:

  • Rep. Katherine Sims, a primary sponsor for two bills addressing 'Right to Repair' laws in Vermont
  • Tommy O'Connor, executive director for the Vermont Farm Bureau

Broadcast live on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

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Vermont Edition Vermont EditionTechnologyGovernment & Politics
Connor Cyrus
Connor Cyrus was co-host and senior producer of Vermont Edition from 2021-2023.
See stories by Connor Cyrus
Matthew F Smith
Matt Smith worked for Vermont Public from 2017 to 2023 as managing editor and senior producer of Vermont Edition.
See stories by Matthew F Smith