Bill > A05864

This bill establishes the Office of Census Services within the New York State Department of State and creates the New York State Census Counts Commission to improve census participation and accuracy. The bill aims to address New York's historical population undercounts, which have led to a significant reduction in congressional representation (from 45 to 26 members since 1940). The Office of Census Services will be responsible for promoting complete population counts, developing outreach strategies, coordinating census efforts across state agencies, and creating a Census Bill of Rights and Responsibilities. The 30-member Commission will study past census challenges, educate the public about the importance of census participation, and develop comprehensive action plans for each decade's census cycle. The bill also creates a new criminal misdemeanor offense of impersonating a census enumerator, punishable by up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine. Additionally, the legislation appropriates $15 million to support these census-related efforts and is designed to ensure that every New York resident is accurately counted, which is crucial for securing federal funding, congressional representation, and informed policy-making.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5864