People could read technical standards cited in laws online for free. The groups that write those standards could still keep copyright if they meet the access rules.
Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.
Pro Codes Act is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Latest action on H.R. 4009: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Who this affects: This bill mainly affects standards groups, governments, and people who need to read rules tied to private standards. Standards groups could keep copyright while offering free online reading access. Governments may get better data on how much these standards cost them. Businesses, lawyers, builders, engineers, and members of the public could have an easier way to read rules they may have to follow.
Why this matters: Many people are expected to follow rules that point to private standards, but those standards can be costly or hard to read. This bill would require free online reading access while letting standards groups keep copyright. That could make the law easier to see, but it may still limit downloading, printing, copying, or reuse. The final effect would depend on how standards groups set up their websites and how Congress uses the Government Accountability Office study.
You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.
