SPARC joins public interest organizations in opposing the “Pro Codes” Act. 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 House voted the bill down on July 22 but the Senate is considering the provision as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Public Interest Opposition
SPARC joined twenty other organizations and civil society groups in a letter to Senate leadership opposing the Pro Codes Act in the NDAA.
Additional documents and resources: