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3 versions
CosmeticWhat changed in ENGROSSED IN HOUSEcompared with INTRODUCED IN HOUSE (Feb 12, 2025)

Technical corrections only. The changes reflect the bill's passage in the House of Representatives, updating its status from 'A BILL' to 'AN ACT' and adding an attestation of passage. No substantive policy changes were made to the legislative text.

H.R. 1234·119th Congress·Introduced Feb 12, 2025

To direct the Librarian of Congress to promote the more cost-effective, efficient, and expanded availability of the Annotated Constitution and pocket-part supplements by replacing the hardbound versions with digital versions.

Passed HouseCongressSubstantive
View bill text
Sponsor
Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5]
Committees
Rules and Administration Committee (primary)
Last action
Apr 1, 2025

Bottom line

H.R. 1234 modernizes the publication and distribution of the Constitution Annotated by moving it entirely to a digital format, aiming for cost savings and broader public access.

What it actually does

This bill mandates a transition from hardbound to digital versions for the Constitution Annotated and its cumulative pocket-part supplements. It directs the Librarian of Congress to prepare digital decennial revised editions starting after the October 2031 Supreme Court term and digital cumulative pocket-part supplements starting after the October 2025 term. It also repeals existing requirements for mandatory printing of hardbound copies after the October 2025 term, ensuring exclusive digital availability via a public Library of Congress website.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue this bill embraces modern technology to make a vital legal resource more accessible and cost-effective. By transitioning to digital, the Library of Congress can save on printing and distribution costs, update the content more efficiently, and reach a wider audience through a public website, aligning with contemporary information dissemination practices.

Opponents contend

Critics might express concerns about the digital divide, arguing that exclusive digital access could disadvantage individuals without reliable internet access or digital literacy. They may also raise questions about the long-term preservation and archival stability of purely digital documents compared to physical copies, and potential preferences among legal professionals for hardbound reference materials.

The bill is very short and clearly written, making it highly accessible for anyone to read and understand its core provisions quickly.

Section 1(a)(2) amending 2 U.S.C. 168(b)(1)

Digital Decennial Revised Edition of Constitution Annotated

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision requires the Librarian of Congress to prepare a digital version of the Constitution Annotated every ten years, starting after the Supreme Court's October 2031 term. This digital edition will replace the previously mandated hardbound version, containing annotations of all Supreme Court decisions interpreting the Constitution up to that point.

GroupImpactMechanismScale
GroupLegal professionals, scholars, general publicImpactChanges how a foundational legal resource is accessed and updated, potentially increasing accessibility for some while creating barriers for others.MechanismShift from physical printing and distribution to digital publication via a public website.ScaleBroad impact on how a foundational legal text is accessed and maintained.
GroupLibrary of CongressImpactOperational changes, potential cost savings from reduced printing and distribution.MechanismElimination of hardbound production requirements.ScaleDirect impact on budget and operational procedures.

Supporters argue

Supporters contend that this shift will significantly reduce printing and distribution costs for the Library of Congress while making the resource more readily available and searchable for legal professionals and the public.

Critics contend

Opponents may argue that some users, particularly those in rural areas or with limited internet access, might find it harder to access a purely digital version, creating a potential digital divide for a critical legal document.

Tradeoffs

The tension lies between the benefits of digital accessibility and cost-efficiency versus potential equity concerns for those without digital access and traditional preferences for physical copies.

Section 1(a)(2) amending 2 U.S.C. 168(b)(2)

Digital Cumulative Pocket-Part Supplements

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section mandates that the Librarian of Congress prepare digital cumulative pocket-part supplements to the Constitution Annotated. These supplements, which update the main edition with new Supreme Court decisions, will be produced after the October 2025 Supreme Court term and every subsequent odd-numbered year term (excluding those ending in '1'), replacing the current hardbound versions.

Section 1(c) amending 2 U.S.C. 168b and repealing 2 U.S.C. 168c

Elimination of Mandatory Hardbound Printing Requirements

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision eliminates the statutory requirement for the Library of Congress to print additional hardbound copies of the Constitution Annotated and its supplements after the Supreme Court's October 2025 term. It explicitly states that all future editions and supplements will be provided exclusively in a digital format via a public Library of Congress website. It also repeals the ability to print additional copies via concurrent resolution.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.

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