Honest Census Communications Act

Bill: 117-s-3133
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI]
Introduced: 2021-11-02
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Census and government statistics

Civil actions and liability

Criminal procedure and sentencing

Fraud offenses and financial crimes

Internet, web applications, social media

Telephone and wireless communication
Latest action: action_date: 2021-11-02
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Summaries:
action_date: 2021-11-02
action_desc: Introduced in Senate
text: <p><strong>Honest Census Communications Act</strong></p> <p>This bill prohibits certain deceptive practices in relation to a census.</p> <p>Specifically, the bill prohibits communicating census-related information, or producing census-related information for communication, knowing the information to be materially false and with the intent to impede or prevent another person from participating in any census.</p> <p>The bill sets criminal and civil penalties for violations.</p>

tv_txt: II 117th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 3133 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES November 2, 2021 Mr. Schatz (for himself, Mr. Casey , and Ms. Warren ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs A BILL To amend chapter 7 of title 13, United States Code, to prohibit certain deceptive practices in relation to a census, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Honest Census Communications Act . 2. Prohibition on deceptive practices relating to census (a) In general Chapter 7 of title 13, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: IV Deceptive Practices 251. Prohibition on deceptive practices (a) Definitions In this section— (1) the term census means any census under this title, including the decennial census of population; (2) the term census-related information means any information regarding— (A) the time, place, or manner of holding any census; or (B) the qualifications for, or restrictions on, participation in any census; and (3) the term covered communication means any— (A) written communication; (B) electronic or digital communication, including a communication through a website, application, online forum, social media platform, streaming service, or other means of communications using the internet or a similar communications network; or (C) telephonic communication, including any phone call, text message, or other communication sent, received, or transmitted using a wireless or wireline phone or a cellular or other phone network. (b) Prohibition It shall be unlawful for any person, whether acting under color of law or otherwise, to communicate or cause to be communicated any census-related information by any means, including by means of any covered communication, or to produce any census-related information with the intent that the census-related information be communicated— (1) knowing the census-related information to be materially false; and (2) with the intent to impede or prevent another person from participating in any census. (c) Criminal penalties Any individual who violates subsection (b) shall be fined in the amount equal to the maximum penalty provided under subsection (d), imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both. (d) Civil penalties A civil penalty of not more than $11,181 may be assessed against any individual who violates subsection (b). . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections for chapter 7 of title 13, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: Subchapter IV—Deceptive Practices 251. Prohibition on deceptive practices. .