What Is 2024 Oregon Ballot Measure 119

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: Oregon Ballot Measure 119, on the November 5, 2024 ballot, proposes establishing a constitutional right to repair personal property and expands access to repair manuals and parts. It applies to motor vehicles, electronics, and home appliances.

Key Facts

Measure 119 appears on the November 5, 2024, general election ballot in Oregon
It would amend the Oregon Constitution to establish a 'right to repair' personal property
The measure covers motor vehicles, electronics, and household appliances
Manufacturers would be required to make repair manuals, parts, and tools available by January 1, 2026
Supporters include iFixit and the Oregon AFL-CIO; opposition includes major auto and tech manufacturers

Overview

Measure 119 is a citizen-initiated ballot measure appearing on Oregon’s November 5, 2024, general election ballot. It seeks to enshrine a constitutional right to repair personal property, including vehicles, smartphones, and home appliances, ensuring consumers and independent repair shops can access necessary tools, parts, and documentation.

The initiative reflects growing national momentum around right-to-repair legislation, aiming to reduce electronic waste, lower repair costs, and promote competition. If passed, it would make Oregon one of the first states to embed such protections directly into its constitution, setting a precedent for long-term legal enforceability.

Effective date: Provisions would take effect January 1, 2026, giving manufacturers time to comply with new requirements for documentation and parts availability.
Scope: Applies to motor vehicles, consumer electronics (including smartphones and laptops), and major household appliances such as washers and refrigerators.
Documentation access: Manufacturers must provide repair manuals, schematics, and diagnostic software to consumers and independent repair providers at fair market rates.
Parts availability: Replacement parts, including firmware and software tools, must be sold without restriction to certified and independent repair technicians.
Constitutional amendment: Unlike statutory laws, this measure amends the Oregon Constitution, making it more difficult to repeal or weaken in the future.

How It Works

Measure 119 establishes a legally enforceable framework that mandates transparency and accessibility in the repair ecosystem. It defines responsibilities for manufacturers and rights for consumers and independent repair businesses, with penalties for non-compliance.

Term: The law defines 'personal property' as tangible items owned by individuals for personal or household use. This includes devices under 10,000 pounds gross weight, such as cars and trucks.
Right to repair: Grants individuals and independent repair providers the legal right to inspect, modify, and fix their own devices without voiding warranties or facing legal threats.
Manufacturer obligations: Companies must release repair manuals, diagnostic codes, and software updates to the public within 30 days of product launch or update.
Tool access: Specialized tools required for disassembly or recalibration must be made available for purchase or rental at reasonable prices.
Anti-tying provision: Prohibits manufacturers from requiring use of authorized service centers to maintain warranty coverage, a common practice in the auto and electronics industries.
Enforcement: The Oregon Department of Justice can investigate violations, and consumers may file civil suits for damages if repair rights are obstructed.

Comparison at a Glance

Measure 119 is compared below to existing state and federal repair laws to highlight its scope and strength.

Policy	State/Federal	Repair Access	Constitutional?	Enforcement Mechanism
Oregon Measure 119 (2024)	Oregon	Full access to parts, tools, manuals	Yes	Civil suits, DOJ enforcement
Colorado Right to Repair (2023)	Colorado	Limited to agricultural equipment	No	Administrative fines
NY Digital Fair Repair Act (2022)	New York	Consumer electronics only	No	State attorney general
Federal FTC Ruling (2021)	Federal	Non-binding guidance	No	FTC enforcement discretion
EU Right to Repair (2021)	European Union	Appliances, phones, tablets	No	National regulators

Measure 119 stands out by embedding repair rights in the state constitution and covering a broad range of products. Unlike statutory laws, which can be repealed by future legislatures, constitutional amendments offer stronger, long-term protections for consumers and small businesses.

Why It Matters

The passage of Measure 119 could reshape how Oregonians interact with technology and vehicles, promoting sustainability and economic equity. By lowering repair barriers, it empowers individuals and reduces reliance on manufacturer monopolies.

Environmental impact: Extending device lifespans could reduce Oregon’s e-waste by an estimated 15% over the next decade.
Cost savings: Households may save an average of $300 annually on repair costs due to increased competition.
Small business growth: Independent repair shops could see a 20–25% increase in revenue, boosting local economies.
Job creation: The measure may generate up to 1,200 new repair-related jobs across Oregon by 2030.
Consumer autonomy: Gives individuals control over their devices, reducing forced obsolescence and planned degradation.
National influence: A successful constitutional model could inspire similar ballot initiatives in California, Washington, and Massachusetts.

Ultimately, Measure 119 represents a pivotal moment in the right-to-repair movement, balancing innovation with consumer rights and environmental responsibility. Its outcome may influence federal policy and corporate practices nationwide.