S.265 - Freedom from Government Surveys Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.265, the Freedom from Government Surveys Act, aims to make participation in the American Community Survey (ACS) voluntary. The bill amends Title 13 of the United States Code to remove penalties for non-response to the ACS and requires the survey to explicitly state its voluntary nature. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 28, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Expected Effects
If enacted, S.265 would likely decrease response rates to the American Community Survey. This could lead to less accurate data, potentially impacting resource allocation and policy decisions at various levels of government. The change would primarily affect individuals who are currently compelled to respond due to the threat of penalties.
Potential Benefits
- Increased individual liberty by removing the legal obligation to participate in the survey.
- Reduced potential for government intrusion into personal lives.
- Could save government resources by reducing enforcement efforts related to survey compliance.
- May increase trust in government by respecting individual choices regarding data submission.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for less accurate data due to decreased response rates, impacting the reliability of statistical information used for policy decisions.
- Could disproportionately affect data quality for specific demographic groups if certain populations are less likely to participate voluntarily.
- Increased difficulty in allocating federal resources effectively due to less reliable data.
- May lead to increased costs for conducting the ACS if additional measures are needed to encourage voluntary participation.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the principles of individual liberty and limited government, potentially drawing support from the First Amendment's protection of freedom of speech and the right to refrain from compelled speech. However, the Constitution also tasks the government with promoting the general welfare, which relies on accurate census data. The balance between individual liberty and the government's need for information is a key consideration. The enumerated powers in Article I, Section 8, which grant Congress the power to legislate, are relevant to the extent that the ACS is used to inform the exercise of those powers.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).