Bill · H.R. 1234· House(119-HR-1234)
To direct the Librarian of Congress to promote the more cost-effective, efficient, and expanded availability of the Annotated Constitution and pocket-part supplements by replacing the hardbound versions with digital versions.
- Introduced
- 2/12/2025
- Last activity
- 4/1/2025 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
- Sponsored by
- Stephanie Bice
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- Passed House
- In Senate committee
What this bill would do
This bill directs the Librarian of Congress to transition the Constitution Annotated and its supplements from hardbound versions to digital versions. It mandates the creation of a digital decennial revised edition every ten years following specific Supreme Court terms. Additionally, it requires the preparation of digital cumulative pocket-part supplements in odd-numbered years. These digital versions are to be made available on a public website maintained by the Library of Congress. The act also repeals requirements for printing additional copies and directs that these documents be provided exclusively in a digital format.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
Moving the Constitution Annotated to a public website improves the accessibility and transparency of legal records.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?+2
The transition to digital formats aims to reduce costs associated with printing and physical distribution.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+1
Digital access reduces barriers to obtaining official constitutional annotations.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Accessibility: The digital decennial revised editions and cumulative pocket-part supplements shall be available at a public website of the Library of Congress, ensuring availability to Congress and the public (Section 1(b)).
-
More Efficient Updates: The bill aims to promote a more cost-effective, efficient, and expanded availability of the Constitution Annotated and pocket-part supplements (Introductory text).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Loss of Physical Format: The Librarian of Congress shall provide the decennial revised editions of the Constitution Annotated and the cumulative pocket part supplements exclusively in a digital format (Section 1(c)(1)(B)).
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Elimination of Printed Copies: The requirement for mandatory printing of additional copies is removed, and the section regarding printing of additional copies pursuant to concurrent resolution is repealed (Section 1(c)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+1Good For People With Disabilities+1Good For Students+1
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending+2Improves Fiscal Responsibility+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+1
- 4/1/2025
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
- 3/31/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1345-1346)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1234.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1345
- Mrs. Bice moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2/12/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Mike CareyRepublican · Ohio
Joseph MorelleDemocrat · New York
Norma TorresDemocrat · California