2014 NEC Book

[kwired]

Found the quoted material below near front of 2011 NEC.

Notice how they worded the first sentence of the second paragraph. This does not mean they have to waive rights to copyright, but it must be used properly. When a jurisdiction adopts the NEC they adopt it by reference, they do not submit a complete copy into their law journals. (AFAIK) If you are found in violation of this code you are given references and explanations, maybe even actual wording of the section in violation, not the entire publication.

I don't claim to know all about the copyright laws, but that is at least partially my take on this instance.

Copyrights
This document is copyrighted by the NFPA. It is made available for a wide variety of both public and private uses. These include both use, by reference, in laws and regulations, and use in private self-regulation, standardization, and the promotion of safe practices and methods. By making this document available for use and adoption by public authorities and private users, the NFPA does not waive any rights in copyright to this document.
Use of NFPA documents for regulatory purposes should be accomplished through adoption by reference. The term "adoption by reference" means the citing of title, edition, and publishing information only. Any deletions, additions, and changes desired by the adopting authority should be noted separately in the adopting instrument. In order to assist NFPA in following the uses made of its documents, adopting authorities are requested to notify the NFPA (Attention: Secretary, Standards Council) in writing of such use. For technical assistance and questions concerning adoption of NFPA documents, contact NFPA at the address below.