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.
Summary
HB1234 would change how the Constitution Annotated and its pocket-part supplements are produced and distributed by the Library of Congress. Instead of requiring hardbound decennial revised editions and hardbound cumulative supplements, the bill directs the Librarian of Congress to prepare digital versions on a recurring schedule tied to Supreme Court terms. The digital decennial revised edition would begin with the October 2031 term, and digital cumulative pocket-part supplements would begin with the October 2025 term, with both formats updated periodically thereafter.
The bill also requires these digital editions to be made available on a public website of the Library of Congress and kept continuously accessible to Congress and the public. In addition, it repeals the existing requirement to print additional copies after the relevant transition period, making the digital format the exclusive format for these materials. The measure amends and partially repeals provisions of Public Law 91-589, affecting the statutory framework governing publication of the Constitution Annotated.
Impact
HB1234 would amend 2 U.S.C. 168 and related provisions of Public Law 91-589 to replace mandatory hardbound publication requirements with digital publication requirements for the Constitution Annotated and its supplements. It would eliminate the post-2025 requirement to print additional copies and repeal the separate provision authorizing printing of additional copies pursuant to concurrent resolution, thereby shifting the Library of Congress’s obligations toward online dissemination and long-term digital availability.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have a generally favorable, efficiency-oriented framing, emphasizing cost-effectiveness, expanded access, and modernization of publication practices. The House passed the measure, and there is no recorded committee transcript or vote data in the provided materials indicating organized opposition or extensive debate. Its referral in the Senate suggests the bill was still under consideration, but the available context does not show controversy in the recorded proceedings.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the replacement of hardbound editions with digital-only availability, which may raise concerns about preservation, accessibility for users who prefer or rely on print, and the durability of long-term digital access. Another possible issue is whether Congress should retain a printed archival or reference format for an official constitutional reference work. No specific objections, sponsors, or opposing arguments are included in the provided record, so any contention is inferred from the policy change itself rather than documented debate.
To modify the appointment process for the Librarian of Congress, the Comptroller General, and the Director of the Government Publishing Office, and for other purposes.
States findings of the Legislature and appeals to the United States Congress to call a constitutional convention of the states to propose an amendment regarding term limits.
Resolution Rescinding Previous Applications Of The General Assembly That Called For An Article V Convention To Propose Amendments To The Constitution Of The United States And Directing Transmission Of Such Resolution To Congress For Printing In The Congressional Record.
A resolution memorializing Congress to overturn the United States Supreme Court Citizens United v. FEC; requesting that Congress clarify that the rights are protected under the Constitution are the rights of natural persons and not the rights of artificial entities and that spending money to influence elections is not speech under the First Amendment; asking that Congress propose a constitutional amendment to provide such a clarification
A resolution memorializing Congress to overturn the United States Supreme Court Citizens United v. FEC; requesting that Congress clarify that the rights are protected under the Constitution are the rights of natural persons and not the rights of artificial entities and that spending money to influence elections is not speech under the First Amendment; asking that Congress propose a constitutional amendment to provide such a clarification
Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict Texas congressional districts and revising procedures for redistricting.
Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.
Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.
Write the Laws ActThis bill prohibits an act of Congress from containing any delegation of legislative powers, whether to any component within the legislative branch, the President or any other member of the executive branch, the judicial branch, any agency or quasi-public agency, any state or state instrumentality, or any other organization or individual.The Government Accountability Office must identify to Congress all statutes enacted before the date that is 90 days after this bill's enactment that contain any delegation of legislative power.Any act of Congress, presidential directive, adjudicative decision, rule, or regulation that is enacted 90 days or more after this bill's enactment and is noncompliant with this bill shall have no force or effect.
Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.