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 bill was re-introduced in the 118th Congress. The House considered the bill during a markup but it was not voted on. The Senate has yet to schedule a hearing on the bill.
Public Interest Opposition
SPARC joined nineteen other organizations and civil society groups in a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee opposing the Pro Codes Act.
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