Statistical sampling measures a small group and applies the figures to the population as a whole. The use of statistical sampling is controversial due to conflicting language in federal law. The 1990 census was the first census less accurate than its predecessors. This controversy lead to the passage of the Decennial Census Improvement Act of 1991, which called for studies by the National Academy of Sciences on ways to achieve the most accurate census, including the use of sampling techniques. The use of sampling is not required by the federal government.
States can choose to use sampling.
Local officials testifying included Arlington Mayor Elzie Odom, Fort Worth Mayor Pro Tem Ralph McCloud, Benbrook Mayor Felix T. Hebert, State Representative Lon Burnam, Richland Hills Mayor Charles Scoma, Parker County Judge Mark Riley, Irving Mayor Joe Putnam, Fort Worth City Council Member Wendy Davis, and Johnson County Judge Roger Harmon. TLC is a non-partisan support agency for the Legislature. Ware's presentation was an update on the current census count. Archer discussed the Voting Rights Act, gerrymandering and racial issues, and the effect on the redistricting process. Hebert's presentation related to historical trends of the redistricting process in Texas and the court cases stemming from the 1990 redistricting process.