Bill · H.R. 4072· House(119-HR-4072)
Pro Codes Act
- Introduced
- 6/23/2025
- Last activity
- 6/23/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Darrell Issa
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 2
- 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
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
Increasing access to incorporated standards enhances transparency in regulation.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+2
The bill requires adherence to web accessibility standards for the online content.
Does this make patent and copyright rules fairer?+2
The bill balances copyright protection with public access to incorporated standards.
The opposite
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?-1
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. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+2Good For Business Owners+1Good For Low Income Households+1Good For Students+1
- Education And Technology
- Improves Intellectual Property Fairness+2Improves Internet Access+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+1Improves Economic Growth+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Improves Due Process-1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+2
- 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