GPO Modernization Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9342
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-24: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T16:18:46Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The GPO Modernization Act of 2026 revises authorities of the Government Publishing Office to modernize operations, expand public access to government information, update oversight structures, and shift certain publications to digital formats.
Key Provisions
- Title I (Sales Programs): Updates the Superintendent of Documents' authority to receive, sell, and dispose of government documents; removes the requirement for originating department approval on sales; bases prices on cost plus a premium with possible discounts; allows resale by dealers under terms set by the Superintendent.
- Title II (Public Information Programs): Establishes purposes for public information programs; expands definitions of "Government public information," "permanent public access," and related terms; requires agencies to notify the Superintendent of new publications and collaborate on permanent access; updates depository library selections, designations (including digital-only libraries), requirements, and regional depository functions; creates a National Collection of U.S. Government Public Information with responsibilities for acquisition, cataloging, preservation, and free access; mandates an online catalog and privacy protections; shifts the Congressional Directory to digital format.
- Title III (GPO Operational Modernization): Renames the Joint Committee on Printing to the Joint Committee on Publishing and updates its oversight role; modernizes GPO procurement, publishing, and distribution authorities; updates Federal Register processes for publication, distribution, and continuity of operations; authorizes gift acceptance; raises the simplified acquisition threshold to $350,000; expands authorities for supplies, services, and employee details; equalizes compensation and leave rules with other legislative branch agencies.
- Title IV (Constitution Annotated): Requires the Librarian of Congress to prepare digital decennial revised editions and cumulative supplements of the Constitution Annotated instead of hardbound versions, with availability on a public website.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Replaces references to "Government publications" with broader "Government public information" across multiple sections of Title 44.
- Repeals or amends outdated provisions on printing approvals, joint committee roles, and physical distribution requirements.
- Establishes new sections for the National Collection, cataloging services, and digital repository responsibilities.
- Removes hardcopy mandates for the Congressional Directory and Constitution Annotated in favor of digital formats.
- Updates oversight, procurement, and operational authorities to reflect modern publishing practices.
Potential Impacts
- Enhances free, equitable public access to government information through digital means and depository libraries.
- Reduces reliance on physical printing and distribution, potentially lowering costs for GPO and agencies while requiring collaboration on digital permanence.
- Affects federal agencies by imposing notification and access obligations for their publications.
- Supports libraries in providing services but imposes reporting, maintenance, and disposal standards.
- No direct effects on international relations are outlined.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Government Publishing Office and Superintendent of Documents.
- Federal depository libraries and regional depositories.
- Congress (via the renamed Joint Committee on Publishing and updated publishing rules).
- Federal agencies (notification and collaboration requirements).
- The public (improved access and privacy protections).
- Library of Congress (shift to digital Constitution Annotated).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Emphasizes permanent public access and privacy protections aligned with the Privacy Act and E-Government Act.
- Introduces geographic service areas and collaborative agreements for collection management without altering core constitutional roles.
- Promotes digital modernization while maintaining government ownership of distributed materials.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-24: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 2026-06-24: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-06-18: Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-06-18: Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-06-18: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-18: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- GPO Modernization Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-18 — PDF (40 pages)