This bill directs the Librarian of Congress to transition the *Constitution Annotated* and its supplements from physical hardbound books to freely accessible digital versions to improve efficiency and availability.
Stephanie Bice
Representative
OK-5
This bill directs the Librarian of Congress to transition the production of the *Constitution Annotated* and its supplements from physical, hardbound books to entirely digital formats. The goal is to promote more cost-effective, efficient, and expanded public availability of this important legal resource. Consequently, the requirement to print decennial editions and annual pocket supplements will be repealed after specific dates, moving all updates to a publicly accessible website.
Congress Ditches Hardbound Constitution Annotated for Digital-Only Access, Starting 2025
This legislation directs the Librarian of Congress to stop printing the massive, hardbound volumes of the Constitution Annotated and its annual supplements. For those unfamiliar, the Constitution Annotated is the crucial resource produced by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) that details every major Supreme Court decision interpreting the Constitution. Essentially, this bill moves the entire operation online, aiming for cost savings and efficiency.
The shift is phased: the annual physical supplements, often called 'pocket-parts,' will stop after the Supreme Court’s October 2025 term. The massive decennial (ten-year) hardbound editions will be replaced by a digital version after the October 2031 term. The core requirement is that these new digital editions and supplements must be made permanently available on a public website managed by the Library of Congress, accessible to everyone, not just Congress. This also repeals the ability for Congress to order additional print runs of the document.
Trading Ink for Pixels: The Efficiency Play
For the government, this is a clear efficiency win. Printing and distributing these massive legal texts is expensive. By mandating a digital-only format (Section 1), the bill cuts the cost of paper, printing, and storage. Think of it like switching from mailing out thousands of physical company handbooks every year to simply hosting a PDF on the company intranet—it's faster, cheaper, and easier to update. For researchers and legal professionals who need the most current information, getting updates instantly online beats waiting for a physical book to be printed and shipped.
The Upside: Permanent Public Access
One major benefit for the average citizen is guaranteed, permanent public access. The Librarian of Congress is explicitly required to ensure the digital versions are available on a public website forever. Before, if you weren't affiliated with a major university or law firm, getting your hands on this resource could be tough or expensive. Now, this key legal text explaining the Constitution's current meaning will be free and easily searchable online for anyone—from a college student writing a paper to a small business owner checking on regulatory law. This provision democratizes access to high-level legal analysis.
The Catch: Who Gets Left Behind?
While going digital is generally good for speed and cost, it introduces an access issue for certain groups. By completely eliminating the hardbound version (Section 1), the bill removes a crucial resource for people who rely on physical copies. This includes individuals without reliable high-speed internet, those with limited digital literacy, or even lawyers and researchers who prefer the tactile experience of cross-referencing physical books. While the cost savings are real, the move creates a small but real equity gap for accessing foundational legal documents. It's a reminder that not every efficiency gain is universally beneficial, especially when it comes to vital public information.