GPO Modernization Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5]
Introduced
Summary
Centralizes and modernizes public access to federal information by giving the Superintendent of Documents expanded authority and creating a permanent digital National Collection. It recasts how government materials are priced, distributed, cataloged, and preserved for free public access and moves several longstanding print duties into digital formats.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
National public information system
If enacted, the bill would create a National Collection and require the Government Publishing Office to run a free public digital repository and a machine‑independent online catalog. The Superintendent would make catalog records, harvest agency websites, and protect user privacy to the standard in 5 U.S.C. 552a. At least four physical copies would be kept in different service areas. The Superintendent would also publish at least once a year a list of anything removed from public access and why.
Easier GPO buying and contracts
If enacted, the bill would raise the GPO simplified acquisition threshold to $350,000 and let the Director negotiate when advertising competition is impracticable. The Director could delegate that authority. The bill would also change procurement wording to cover services and publishing, and let the GPO buy common paper and envelopes for the National Capital region with agency reimbursement.
More annual leave for GPO seniors
If enacted, the bill would let Government Publishing Office senior level service positions use expanded annual leave carryover that is allowed under 5 U.S.C. 6304(f)(1). This change would apply only to those eligible GPO senior positions.
Digital Congressional and Constitution books
If enacted, the bill would require the GPO to post a digital Congressional Directory early in the first session and a digital supplement early in the second session of each Congress. It would also stop the hardbound mandate for the Constitution Annotated and require digital decennial editions after the October 2031 Supreme Court term and digital pocket‑part supplements after the October 2026 term and in certain later odd years. The Library of Congress must keep them available online.
GPO gifts and donor tax treatment
If enacted, the bill would let the GPO accept gifts and bequests of money and property and deposit money gifts or sale proceeds into the GPO Revolving Fund for government use. Donated property must be used according to donor terms when possible. The bill would also state that property accepted counts as a gift to the United States for Federal income, estate, and gift tax purposes.
New rules for selling government books
If enacted, the bill would let the Superintendent set terms for book dealers to resell Government publications and allow Government officers to be designated as sales agents. The GPO could set prices for extra copies as cost plus a premium, though the Superintendent may allow discounts. The bill would also remove a prior requirement that a department head approve distribution of public documents.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5]
OK • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov