National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Today Praised the Introduction of the Bipartisan Pro Codes Act to Reinforce Copyright Protection of Safety Codes

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a self-funded nonprofit that develops over 300 fire, life and electrical safety codes and standards, today praised the introduction of the bipartisan Pro Codes Act, introduced by Reps. Ted Deutch (D-FL) and Darrell Issa (R-CA). NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley offered the following statement:

“The safety codes and standards protected by this legislation help protect the lives and property of every American and people around the world. For 125 years, our standards have been developed through an independent, consensus-based process that doesn’t cost taxpayers a penny. We’re grateful for Reps. Deutch and Issa’s leadership in helping ensure that we can continue our critical work, which has resulted in one of the longest-standing, most successful partnerships between the public and private sector in U.S. history. Their efforts will help reduce loss of life and foster economic growth, and we encourage their fellow members of Congress to join them in swiftly passing this bill.”

ISSUE SUMMARY

Rigorous national safety standards protect us all from the tragedies of fires and electrical hazards. For more than a century, NFPA has developed these standards independently, transparently, and affordably. But this critical, well-functioning model is under threat from special interests who want to end the protection that we believe copyright law provides for the development of public safety standards such as NFPA’s. NFPA is a nonprofit organization funded by publishing, selling and licensing our standards. We don’t depend on subsidies or contributions from government or those affected by our standards. This ensures we can be independent and put safety first. However, the continued assault by special interests on copyright protection threatens the ability of NFPA and organizations like us to fund our important work. That will lead to a disjointed and expensive patchwork of safety standards in the U.S. and around the world. Ensuring copyright protections for safety standards isn’t for the sake of any one organization. It safeguards a public-private partnership model that truly works to advance safety and save lives.

NFPA: 125 Years of Protecting People and Property

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) is a global self-funded nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards. The association began its work to solve the fire problem in a young, industrialized nation in 1896 and has since become a global force known for advancing safety worldwide. NFPA delivers information and knowledge through more than 325 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach, and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. In celebration of its 125th Anniversary, NFPA is hosting a Conference Series through March 2022 and undertook several initiatives in 2021 that reflect the association’s steadfast commitment to advancing fire and life safety. For more information or to view NFPA codes and standards for free, visit www.nfpa.org.