Summary: Microsoft has quietly supported a bill in Washington state that would make it easier for consumers to repair their electronic devices. The bill, known as the Fair Repair Act, seeks to balance the interests of manufacturers, customers, and independent repair shops. Microsoft's support for the bill is a notable first for a major U.S. tech company and has encouraged other manufacturers to engage in discussions about right-to-repair bills. The bill ultimately stalled due to opposition from Republicans and a Democrat who is a former Apple executive. Manufacturers in various sectors often restrict access to spare parts, repair tools, and technical documentation, but the right-to-repair movement seeks to make repairs more accessible and reduce electronic waste.