Can CaGov use tax money to make a product for profit?

[carsonwales]

This is not a gun related question, it is a California question. I am certain that several of you have this answer right on the tip of your tongue too...

Question: Can a California, tax-payer funded regulatory commission sell their work product, exclusively for a profit to a private company? The commission is charged with developing, modifying and maintaining an exhaustive set of codes and regulation that effect every citizen of the state.

However, the rules they set forth are not available online, or via a PDF download.

The only manner afforded the citizen to obtain a copy of the regulations is through private publishers. The code books cost north of 200 dollars on average.

The commission in question is the California Building Standards Commission, and is in charge of the California Building Codes.

Is this not a scam by the state or should I just put away the tin foil?

How is it legal that the state can use public money to produce a product that has the force and effect of law, and then force you to spend 250 bucks to get a copy of the law through only a select group of publisher/distributors?

Thanks in advance for any comment

CW

Link to BSC: http://www.bsc.ca.gov/default.htm

Link to a typical seller:http://www.bnibooks.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=150&cat=California+State+Codes

[macadamizer]

The building codes are available at no cost to the public -- you just have to visit a "depository library." Depository Libraries (http://www.bsc.ca.gov/title_24/t24_01te_dp_lbry.htm).

But yeah, I agree, it stinks.

[1911_sfca]

Off topic.

[Ledbetter]

Just tell us what you want. It's out there.