Study of standards cost to governments

(a) In general The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the financial impact to Federal, State, and local governments in the United States associated with acquiring access to standards incorporated by reference into law. (b) Scope The study under subsection (a) shall— (1) analyze the total expenditure by government entities for accessing these standards; (2) assess any financial burdens or resource constraints these costs impose on governments, particularly for smaller municipalities; (3) evaluate the cost-effectiveness of current mechanisms for acquiring these standards; and (4) examine the impacts on public services due to the costs associated with accessing these standards. (c) Report Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit a report to Congress that includes— (1) the findings of the study conducted under subsection (a); and (2) recommendations to mitigate any adverse financial impacts identified by the study, including suggestions for legislative or administrative actions as appropriate.