Congressman Issa, Deutch Introduce Legislation to Protect Public Access to Federal Rules
WASHINGTON D.C. - Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) was joined by Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22) and introduced the Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes Act (Pro Codes Act), which would protect public access to important federal rules and regulations.
"Standards in federal rules and regulations matter, and never more so than when they are at the inflection point of streamlining public access – or hindering it," said Rep. Issa. "The guidelines set by the National Fire Protection Association are vital, and this legislation represents the spirit of the private sector, promotes transparency in standard setting, and ensures the public can access the rules they are being asked to follow."
"The Pro Codes Act is a win for transparency and public safety," said Rep. Ted Deutch. "Vital information contained in codes must remain free and available to the public. At the same time, we must reward investments made by standards development organizations. This legislation will protect the copyright of codes when they have been incorporated by reference."
As more codes get incorporated by reference into legal standards by courts, the Pro Codes Act will protect a code or standard’s incorporation by ensuring the copyright doesn’t extinguish. The bill ensures that the public retains free access to the information. Just as some online services have a free version of their product with limited functionality and a paid premium version with greater functionality, under this bill, those that invest in code development will still be able to sell the materials in certain formats so long as they are simultaneously providing access to the information for free.
Darrell Issa is the Representative of California’s 50th Congressional District. The District encompasses the central and northeastern parts of San Diego County and a portion of Riverside County, including the communities of Fallbrook, San Marcos, Valley Center, Ramona, Escondido, Santee, Lakeside, El Cajon, Temecula, and the mountain and desert areas of the San Diego-Imperial County line. Issa served as the Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform from 2011-2015.