A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 5 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Pro Codes Act'' or Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes Act of 2025'' aims to amend title 17 of the United States Code. This legislation addresses standards that are incorporated by reference into federal, state, and local laws or regulations. The bill seeks to balance the protection of copyrights held by standards development organizations with the need for public access. It establishes requirements for these organizations to make incorporated standards available online at no monetary cost. By doing so, the act intends to ensure the public can access the technical and voluntary consensus standards they are required to follow.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +3
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
Increasing access to incorporated standards enhances transparency in regulation.
- Scored +2
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?
The bill requires adherence to web accessibility standards for the online content.
- Scored +2
Does this make patent and copyright rules fairer?
The bill balances copyright protection with public access to incorporated standards.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?
The bill places the burden of proof on the party asserting non-compliance.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Access to Vital Information: The bill requires standards development organizations to make portions of their standards publicly accessible online at no monetary cost if they are incorporated into law or regulation (Section 3(b)). This allows the public to read the current and accurate versions of standards that impact their lives.
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Improved Searchability: The mandate includes a requirement that the online material be provided in a format that includes a searchable table of contents and index, or equivalent aids (Section 3(b)). This makes it easier for people to find specific content within a standard.
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Ease of Online Access: The law specifies that creating an account or agreeing to terms of service does not prevent a material from being considered "publicly accessible online," provided there is no monetary cost and no unauthorized use of personally identifiable information (Section 3(a)(5)). This ensures that digital barriers do not prevent access to important information.
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Maintaining Public Safety and Innovation: By encouraging the continued use of the voluntary consensus process, the bill supports the creation and updating of standards that address new threats to public health and safety and account for technological advances (Section 2(10)(A)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Burden of Proof on Citizens: In any legal proceeding where a party claims a standards development organization has failed to comply with the new access requirements, the burden of proof rests on the party making that assertion (Section 3(c)). This means an individual or group must prove the organization did not comply in order to seek a remedy.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill requires adherence to web accessibility standards for the online content. Would business owners be better off under this? — Easier access to standards can reduce research and compliance costs. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Free access to standards can lower costs for those needing technical information. Would students be better off under this? — Free access to technical standards can assist in academic and research endeavors.
- Education And Technology
- Does this make patent and copyright rules fairer? — The bill balances copyright protection with public access to incorporated standards. Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The bill mandates that standards be available online at no cost.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — Providing easier access to standards can enhance consumer safety through better information availability. Is this likely to grow the economy? — The bill supports innovation and commerce by ensuring easier access to technical standards.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Increasing access to incorporated standards enhances transparency in regulation. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill places the burden of proof on the party asserting non-compliance.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill requires online access to meet Section 508 accessibility standards.
- 6/10/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/24/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/26/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 6/23/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Lance GoodenRepublican · Texas
Nicholas LangworthyRepublican · New York
Deborah RossDemocrat · North Carolina
Dina TitusDemocrat · Nevada
Rudy YakymRepublican · Indiana