What does Preamble of Pro Codes Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to amend title 17, United States Code The amendment reaffirms the importance of works incorporated by reference into law The bill includes requirements for works incorporated by reference

What does SHORT TITLE. of Pro Codes Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes Act of 2026.

What does FINDINGS. of Pro Codes Act of 2026 do?

Congress recognizes the benefits of private standards development organizations These organizations create technical standards through a process of openness, balance, consensus, and due process The standards are used by industry, academia, and governments, and further innovation, commerce, and public safety Congress intends to balance the goals of creating standards and ensuring public access to them Standards development organizations rely on copyright protection to fund their activities

What does WORKS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO LAW. of Pro Codes Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Chapter 1 of Title 17 of the United States Code by adding Section 123, concerning works incorporated by reference into law. It defines key terms including 'Circular A-119,' 'incorporated by reference,' 'publicly accessible online,' 'standard,' and 'standards development organization.' The definition of 'incorporated by reference' clarifies that it applies when a law or regulation references a standard rather than directly copying its text. It establishes that a standard retains copyright protection even when incorporated by reference, provided the standards development organization makes it publicly accessible online at no monetary cost. The definition of 'publicly accessible online' includes requirements related to website accessibility and user account creation, specifying conditions where account creation does not preclude online accessibility.

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Pro Codes Act of 2026

Last updated: 3/19/2026 · Introduced: 3/19/2026

Author: Christopher Coons (D-DE)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill amends copyright law to clarify that standards retain copyright protection when incorporated by reference into law, provided they are publicly accessible online at no cost.
It defines key terms related to works incorporated by reference, including 'incorporated by reference,' 'standard,' and 'standards development organization.'
The bill establishes requirements for online accessibility of standards, including website accessibility and conditions under which user account creation does not preclude public access.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 4009(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

4 sections

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