Bill > HR4009

This bill addresses the incorporation of technical and voluntary consensus standards into law, aiming to balance copyright protections with public access. The legislation defines key terms such as "incorporated by reference" and establishes that standards development organizations can retain copyright protection if they make the incorporated standards publicly accessible online at no cost, with a searchable format. The bill recognizes the important role of private standards development organizations in creating technical standards that benefit government, industry, and academia, while ensuring these organizations can continue funding their work through standard sales and licensing. It mandates that when a standard is incorporated into law, the organization must provide free online access within a reasonable timeframe, with the burden of proof for non-compliance falling on the party making such a claim. Additionally, the bill requires the Comptroller General to conduct a comprehensive study within two years to analyze the financial impact of acquiring standards on federal, state, and local governments, including an assessment of cost burdens and potential mitigation strategies. The overarching goal is to promote innovation, public safety, and accessibility while protecting the intellectual property rights of standards development organizations.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4009/all-info