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H.J.Res.116 / 107th Congress

Consumer Technology Bill of Rights

Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Oct 7, 2002

Consumer Technology Bill of Rights - Expresses the sense of Congress that, with respect to all electronic media in U.S. commerce, consumers who legally acquire copyrighted and non-copyrighted works should be free to use these works in non-commercial ways. Lists the following rights of consumers in legally acquired copyrighted and non-copyrighted works: (1) the right to record legally acquired video or audio for later viewing or listening (popularly referred to as "time-shifting"); (2) the right to use legally acquired content in different places (popularly referred to as "space-shifting"); (3) the right to archive or make backup copies of legally acquired content for use in the event that the original copies are destroyed; (4) the right to use legally acquired content on the electronic platform or device of the consumer's choice; (5) the right to translate legally acquired content into comparable formats; and (6) the right to use technology in order to achieve such enumerated rights.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Cox, Christopher [R-CA-47] · R–CA

Committees

  • Judiciary Committee
  • Energy and Commerce Committee
0 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

    Actions

    A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

    1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property.

    2. Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.

    3. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

    4. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

    5. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

    6. Introduced in House

    7. Introduced in House

    Bill text & related measures

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    Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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    Source last updated: Aug 19, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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    Objective

    Analyze H.J.Res.116 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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    Fairness and public impact

    Progressive lens

    Examine H.J.Res.116 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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    Institutions and government scope

    Conservative lens

    Examine H.J.Res.116 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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    Individual rights and government power

    Liberty lens

    Examine H.J.Res.116 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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