Bill > S06898

This bill establishes the New York State Office of Census Services within the 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 reduction in congressional representation from 45 to 26 seats since 1940. The Office of Census Services will be responsible for promoting complete census counts, providing outreach and education, developing partnerships with community organizations, coordinating census-related activities, and creating a Census Bill of Rights and Responsibilities. The Commission, composed of 30 members appointed by various state leaders, will study past census challenges, develop strategies to improve participation, and provide ongoing education about the importance of census data. The bill also creates a new criminal offense of impersonating a census enumerator, which is classified as a misdemeanor. Additionally, the legislation appropriates $15 million to support these census-related efforts and outlines a detailed decade-long plan for census engagement, including annual activities focused on reviewing data, promoting participation, and preparing for future census operations.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6898