42 U.S.C. § 6620 — Release of scientific research results

(a) Principles by 90 days after August 9, 2007 , the Director^* of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the heads of all Federal civilian agencies that conduct scientific research, must develop and issue an overarching set of principles to ensure the communication and open exchange of data and results to other agencies, policymakers, and the public of research conducted by a scientist employed by a Federal civilian agency and to prevent the intentional or unintentional suppression or distortion of such research findings. The principles must encourage the open exchange of data and results of research undertaken by a scientist employed by such an agency and must be consistent with existing Federal laws, including chapter 18 of title 35 (commonly known as the “Bayh-Dole Act”). The principles must also take into consideration the policies of peer-reviewed scientific journals in which Federal scientists may currently publish results. (b) Implementation by 180 days after August 9, 2007 , the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy must ensure that all civilian Federal agencies that conduct scientific research develop specific policies and procedures regarding the public release of data and results of research conducted by a scientist employed by such an agency consistent with the principles established under subsection (a). Such policies and procedures must— (1) specifically address what is and what is not permitted or recommended under such policies and procedures; (2) be specifically designed for each such agency; (3) be applied uniformly throughout each such agency; and (4) be widely communicated and readily accessible to all employees of each such agency and the public.