UpCodes Raises Alarm About New Bill Threatening Public Access to Safety Regulations

Concerns Over the Pro Codes Act

In the realm of legal regulations that affect the safety of our built environment, a newly introduced House bill named the Pro Codes Act (H.R. 4072) has raised significant alarm bells. Aimed at granting private organizations exclusive copyrights over a broad range of life safety regulations, this legislation could potentially threaten public access to vital laws that are critical for the construction and safety of buildings across the United States.

The Details of the Bill

Initiated by California Representative Darrell Issa on June 23, 2025, the bill proposes that once safety codes and regulations are enacted by state and local governments, the original publishers would retain complete copyright over these codes. This means that once the law is in place, citizens, professionals, and even local governments could face restrictions on accessing these rules, potentially requiring fees to obtain legal requirements that govern how buildings are constructed.

The implications of this legislation are profound and far-reaching. The Pro Codes Act has been met with significant opposition from various public interest groups who argue that such a move undermines the foundational principles of transparency and public access to the laws that govern their lives. Notably, last year a previous version of the bill (H.R. 1631) was blocked due to similar backlash from organizations like the American Council of the Blind and the Wikimedia Foundation, who warned about the dangers posed by restricting access to public laws.

The Reaction from the Industry

Scott Reynolds, CEO of UpCodes, a compliance and product research platform, expressed his concerns clearly: “Americans should have free and unfettered access to the laws that regulate our schools, hospitals, and homes.” He emphasizes that the bill creates a potential monopoly over vital safety information, which could set a dangerous precedent where legal compliance information is only available to those who can afford it.

Construction professionals and safety advocates worry that such privatization of life safety codes could lead to disjointed access to necessary information. Specialized training and compliance practices which are currently open to public scrutiny might become exclusive, limiting the ability of workers, governmental agencies, and the general public to respond swiftly to safety regulations.

“It's unacceptable that people might need to pay to access laws that are designed to protect them,” Reynolds added.

Call to Action

The introduction of the Pro Codes Act serves as a crucial call to action for concerned citizens and professionals in the construction and safety sectors. UpCodes encourages individuals to reach out to their local representatives to voice their opinions on this legislation. With the power of modern technology, UpCodes has created a tool that simplifies the process of contacting representatives, allowing those affected to easily express their views on the matter.

The Broader Implications

This situation raises broader questions about the accessibility of laws in an increasingly privatized world. If passed, the Pro Codes Act could signify a shift toward greater privatization of essential public resources, ultimately disadvantageous for citizens who depend on free access to information regarding safety and regulatory compliance.

As this bill progresses through the House Committee on the Judiciary, the future of public access to essential safety information hangs in the balance. Public discourse and advocacy for free and open access to life safety regulations will be vital in shaping the legislative landscape in the coming months.

About UpCodes

UpCodes was established to empower organizations in managing compliance with building codes and product regulations in an intuitive manner. Their mission revolves around ensuring that all Americans can build safely and affordably, creating innovative AI-powered solutions that streamline access to crucial safety information.

In conclusion, the looming potential of a privatized regulatory landscape poses a threat that we cannot afford to ignore. Voices advocating for transparency and public access must resonate loudly as we navigate the complexities of this new legislation.