zlacker

>>waffle+(OP)
This is one of those ideas that gets suggested on a frequent basis. Those who suggest it often think that the problem is one of complexity management, like managing source code changes.

The actual problem is one of power and intention. Yes, version control would make earmarks obvious. Yes, it would make tracking contributors (lobbies) easier. Yes, it would make tailoring tried and trusted legal documents easy.

All of these are reasons why version control will never be applied to the law. We want these things, but we are not the customer. The real customer is actively trying to prevent these things from ever happening.

The reality is that these tools are probably already being used for these exact purposes - in private, and for personal gain.

>>ynniv+25
Except, you know, that all proposed legislation is publicly posted to the Thomas system with 24 hours of submission (i.e., prior to voting), all legislative hearings and regulatory hearings are open to the public, and...get this...legislative debates and major agency events have been publicly televised for more than two decades on not one, but 3 separate channels!

The reality is that most of the people who complain about the lack of transparency are those who put the least effort into finding the available sources.