PRIA Logo™
119-hr-6028119th CongressWALLET

Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act

Sponsored By: Representative Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9]

Passed House

Summary

Separates the Copyright Office from the Library of Congress. This bill would remake leadership and personnel rules across the Library of Congress, the Government Publishing Office, and the Copyright Office by changing how top officials are chosen, creating deputy roles, and creating new human resources and oversight structures.

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

New watchdog for the Copyright Office

If enacted, the bill would create an independent Inspector General at the Copyright Office. The Register would appoint the IG based on integrity and skill. The IG would be paid at least the average pay of other above‑GS‑15 staff but would not receive cash bonuses. The IG could hire staff and consultants and would report to Congress on audits and investigations. Some agents could carry firearms, make arrests, and execute warrants after required training and certifications. The IG would have to certify internal safeguards before and every six months after using those powers. The IG’s budget request would appear in the Copyright Office budget.

Keeps device unlocking exemptions in place

If enacted, device‑unlocking and other DMCA exemptions already adopted by the Librarian would stay valid for determinations made after the prior law and before this bill. Exemptions adopted by the Register would apply to determinations made after enactment. The bill would not change who had this authority before or after the handoff.

New appointment and backup rules for Library

If enacted, a commission would pick the Librarian of Congress from three candidates recommended by oversight leaders, based on fitness and not political affiliation. House and Senate leaders would be able to remove the Librarian by majority vote. The Librarian would have to appoint a Deputy within 120 days after taking office or after a vacancy. The Deputy would run the Library when the Librarian is absent or the job is vacant. If both roles are empty, leaders would designate an acting Librarian.

New rules for Register of Copyrights

If enacted, the President would appoint the Register of Copyrights, with Senate confirmation, from three people recommended by House and Senate committee leaders. The Register would serve a 10-year term and could be reappointed for 5-year terms, and must be a U.S. citizen with copyright law experience. The Register would assume many duties now held by the Librarian, could appoint staff and up to four Associate Registers, and would have to consult the Librarian before rules that affect Library deposits. Actions taken under copyright law from May 8, 2025 through enactment would be ratified. A transition through September 30, 2029 would allow support agreements and transfers of appropriated funds between the Library and the Copyright Office.

New rules for GPO jobs and leadership

If enacted, the GPO would be led by a Director chosen from three recommended candidates. House and Senate leaders would be able to remove the Director by majority vote. The Director would have to name a Deputy within 120 days and set clear acting rules. Starting 180 days after enactment, the GPO would use a new human capital system with merit rules, hiring preferences, and bans on political activity. The GPO would be covered by the Congressional Accountability Act, giving employees its protections and dispute process. Rules for the new system would need public comment and approval by the Joint Committee on Printing. Retaliation for employee comments on the rules would be banned. The GPO would be authorized to provide printing and publishing services across the government.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9]

VA • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15]

    IL • R

    Sponsored 3/12/2026

  • Rep. Carey, Mike [R-OH-15]

    OH • R

    Sponsored 3/12/2026

  • Rep. Loudermilk, Barry [R-GA-11]

    GA • R

    Sponsored 3/16/2026

  • Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 3/16/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
Back to Legislation