Pro Codes Act

HR 4009, the Pro Codes Act, requires standards development organizations (like ANSI) to make technical standards publicly accessible online at no cost when those standards are referenced in federal, state, or local laws or regulations. This ensures the public can freely read current standards while allowing organizations to retain copyright protection - provided they offer searchable, free online access within a reasonable timeframe. The bill also mandates a study by the Comptroller General to analyze government costs for accessing these referenced standards, including impacts on smaller municipalities. It aims to balance the need for standards development funding with public access to standards incorporated into law, as outlined in the bill's findings.