PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Dec 20, 2022
Patents for Humanity Act of 2022
This bill provides statutory authority for a program to award certificates that may be used to accelerate certain proceedings and applications at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). The program established under this bill shall be treated as the successor to the existing Patents for Humanity program.
Under this bill, the PTO must hold a competition at least once every two years to award certificates to eligible entities that submit a patent application that addresses a humanitarian issue.
People & committees
Rep. Jeffries, Hakeem S. [D-NY-8] · D–NY
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 117-245.
Became Public Law No: 117-245.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 396 - 24 (Roll no. 511). (text: 12/05/2022 CR H8752-8753)
House roll call 511 · Individual votesResolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 396 - 24 (Roll no. 511).
House roll call 511 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H8771-8773; H8779-8780)
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 the Senate amendment to H.R. 5796.
Ms. Jackson Lee moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment. (consideration: CR H8752-8754)
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S6828)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S6828)
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S6828-6829)
Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4520)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5796.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4520-4521)
Mr. Jeffries moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 223.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 117-302.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 117-302.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.5796 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.5796 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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