GPO Modernization Act of 2026

Overview

HR 9342, the GPO Modernization Act of 2026, is a comprehensive set of revisions to the authorities, operations, and modernization efforts of the Government Publishing Office (GPO). Introduced June 18, 2026 by Rep. Stephanie Bice (with a House sponsor), the bill aims to expand and modernize how government information is produced, stored, cataloged, preserved, and made accessible to the public, including a move toward digital-first systems and a strengthened national collection.

Main purpose and intent

• Modernize GPO governance and operations to improve public access to Government public information.
• Expand and reorganize depository library programs and national collections to ensure permanent, free, and accessible public access.
• Update congressional publishing, printing, and Federal Register processes to reflect digital capabilities and current needs.
• Repeal or realign several outdated statutory references to the Joint Committee on Printing, replacing with a Joint Committee on Publishing.
• Improve cataloging, access services, and digitization of government information, including unreported public information.

Key provisions and changes

• Title I – Sales Programs

  • Reforms to the sale of Government documents, including appointment structure, pricing, and resale authority for Government publications.

• Title II – Public Information Programs

  • Establishes a new public information framework (chapter 19) with:
  • Purpose: ensure free, permanent public access to Government information.
  • Definitions for access services, Government information, permanent public access, preservation, unreported public information, etc.
  • Availability and requirements for depository libraries to ensure digital and tangible content remains accessible.
  • Selections and distribution: depository libraries receive notifications of available materials; designation and distribution rules for libraries (including special designations in DC, states, and territories).
  • Depository library standards: ongoing reporting, regular assessments, training, and potential removal for non-compliance; replacement designations allowed within law.
  • Free use in depositories; digital substitutes permitted; regional depository roles and multi-state collaboration; National Collection management.
  • Cataloging and access: new Section 1917 requires descriptive cataloging, metadata, and a free online catalog; supports unreported information and digitization efforts.
  • National Collection (Section 1918): establishes a National Collection, governance by the Superintendent of Documents, with four geographically distributed tangible copies and a digital repository. Emphasizes open access, preservation, and collaboration with libraries and agencies.
  • National Digital Repository: GPO to operate a digital system for free public access; privacy protections to meet or exceed Privacy Act standards; annual public disclosure of removed items and reasons.

• Title III – GPO Operational Modernization

  • Oversight by a re-designated Joint Committee on Publishing (formerly Joint Committee on Printing).
  • Modernizes procurement, gifts, acquisitions, supplies, and employee detail rules; aligns with publishing and digitization missions.
  • Raises simplification of acquisitions threshold and consolidates publishing-related authorities.
  • Equalizes GPO compensation with other legislative branch agencies; adjusts leave carryover for certain positions.

• Title IV – Preparation of Constitution Annotated

  • Repeals hardbound Constitution Annotated production requirements after 2031.
  • Shifts to digital editions and cumulative pocket-part supplements, with public access through the Library of Congress website.
  • Removes mandatory hardbound printing requirements and related provisions.

Who/what would be affected

• Government Printing Office (GPO) operations and leadership.
• Federal depository libraries and their networks (including regional depositories).
• Public access to Government information, both tangible and digital.
• The Joint Committee on Publishing (replacing the JCP on Printing) and related oversight bodies.
• Congressional directories, Federal Register processes, and related publishing activities.
• Library and information science practices (cataloging standards, metadata, access services).
• Offices and agencies responsible for distributing or issuing public information.

Procedural and timeline aspects

• The bill outlines structural changes effective upon enactment, with several provisions proposing long-term transitions (e.g., Constitution Annotated hardbound replacement by 2031).
• It repeals or updates several sections and sections of Title 44 U.S.C. and related laws to align with digital-first operations.
• It requires annual reporting on removals from the National Collection and ensures ongoing accessibility.
• The act designates a framework for transitions in depository designations, cataloging systems, and national collection management.

Note: This summary reflects the text and stated provisions of HR 9342 as introduced and marked up; actual implementation would depend on final enacted language and any amendments.