This act will revise existing laws concerning how the GPO operates and distributes public information. It emphasizes the right of the public to obtain equitable access to government services and documents. It also includes provisions that allow for the establishment of regional depositories and mandates that libraries designated as depository libraries meet specific standards for accessibility and reporting. This will likely increase the presence of government documents in the public domain and help fortify democratic access to government data.
Summary
House Bill 9490, known as the GPO Modernization Act of 2024, aims to revise the authorities of the Government Publishing Office (GPO) to enhance public access to government publications and ensure that they are preserved and maintained as public records. The bill establishes the National Collection of United States Government Public Information, which ensures that government publications are preserved, accessible, and available to the public free of charge. Key provisions of the bill focus on improving access to governmental information and enhancing the management of information throughout its lifecycle.
Contention
While the GPO Modernization Act of 2024 has garnered support for its potential to improve access to government information, there may be contention related to how it impacts the operation and funding of existing libraries. There could also be concerns regarding the implications of creating a digital repository, particularly around the security and management of digital information. Furthermore, the bill's emphasis on collaboration with other federal entities may raise questions about the allocation of resources and the prioritization of funding for various public information programs.