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> presumably in this particular case, the companies that wrote these particular fire protection and electrical standards did so because they wanted them to eventually have legal force.

Sure, but the reason they wanted this is at least part because they could earn revenue from selling access to them (and having the monopoly on being able to do so), which they now no longer can. It's not obvious to me how they would otherwise materially benefit.

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> [When not selling access to the documentation,] It's not obvious to me how they would otherwise materially benefit.

Two ways come to mind:

1. Detailed expertise and brand-recognition would provide them an edge in selling consulting and training services.

2. Depending on how the legislature incorporated the standards, they would be in a position to promote/prevent future changes that benefit/disadvantage their stakeholders. Potentially a kind of regulatory capture.

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