SPARC joins public interest organizations in opposing the “Pro Codes” Act (H.R. 6769). The legislation would limit the public’s ability to print, download, or copy the codes and standards referenced in federal, state, and local laws by allowing private entities to claim copyright over those codes and standards. Years of legal precedent have made clear that all citizens should have access to the content of the law. This legislation seeks to codify the right for private organizations to restrict the public’s ability to use and understand the laws that govern us.
Current Status: the bill was referred to the House Judiciary Committee. A hearing has not yet been scheduled.
Public Interest Opposition
A group of 16 organizations, including SPARC, sent a letter to House Judiciary Leadership outlining their concerns and urged the Committee to reject the bill.
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