Defense Civilian Faculty Copyright Act of 2025

# Defense Civilian Faculty Copyright Act of 2025 (HR 6612) **What the Bill Does:** This bill would modify copyright protections for work created by civilian faculty members at Department of Defense educational institutions. Currently, works created by federal employees are generally considered public domain (owned by the public). This bill would likely change that rule for civilian faculty at DoD schools, potentially allowing them to retain copyright ownership of their scholarly work, similar to protections available to faculty at civilian universities. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily impacts civilian instructors and professors employed by the Department of Defense, including those at institutions like the National Defense University and military service academies' preparatory schools.

It could also indirectly affect the military departments, researchers who use their work, and students at these institutions. **Current Status:** HR 6612 was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Don Bacon (R-Nebraska) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. No further action has been taken as of now. The bill's specific provisions beyond this general framework are not publicly detailed in available summaries.