PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 248 - 127 (Roll no. 357).
Congressional Research Service
Version 07 · Reported to House · Jul 22, 2024
Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes Act or the Pro Codes Act
This bill addresses copyright protections for privately-developed technical standards that are incorporated into a law or regulation (e.g., a state law that requires buildings to comply with the electrical standards developed by a private standards development organization).
Currently, there is not a consensus as to whether a technical standard that has been incorporated by reference into a law retains copyright protection. (A technical standard created by a private organization is typically eligible for copyright protection, but some courts have ruled that standards incorporated into law lose their copyright protections for various reasons. For example, some courts have held that incorporated standards effectively became law and therefore entered the public domain.)
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Under this bill, a technical standard shall retain its copyright protection even if it has been incorporated by reference into a law or regulation, if the applicable standards development organization makes the standard available on a free publicly accessible online source and in a format that facilitates the location of specific content.
If a party asserts that an incorporated technical standard has lost its copyright protection because it has not been made available for free online, the party making that assertion shall bear the burden of proof.
The bill also includes reporting requirements for the Copyright Office and the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The GAO must conduct several studies and report on the findings, including the potential impacts of the bill on consumers and historically disadvantaged communities.
People & committees
Rep. Issa, Darrell E. [R-CA-48] · R–CA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 248 - 127 (Roll no. 357).
House roll call 357 · Individual votesFailed of passage/not agreed to in House On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 248 - 127 (Roll no. 357).
House roll call 357 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4708)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1631.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4658-4665; text: CR H4658-4660)
Mr. Issa moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 501.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 118-601.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 118-601.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 19 - 4.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
the motion to favorably report was withdrawn by unanimous consent
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Dec 11, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.1631 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.
Examine H.R.1631 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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