Bill · H.R. 4820· House(119-HR-4820)
Freedom from Government Surveys Act
- Introduced
- 7/29/2025
- Last activity
- 7/29/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Sponsored by
- W. Steube
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Freedom from Government Surveys Act," seeks to change how the American Community Survey works. It aims to make participation in the survey voluntary rather than mandatory. The legislation would ensure that no person faces penalties for refusing or neglecting to answer questions. Additionally, it requires the Secretary to include a statement on the survey itself clarifying that participation is voluntary.
Yes
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+5
The bill protects individuals from legal penalties for refusing to provide personal information to the government.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill requires the Secretary to explicitly state on the survey that participation is voluntary.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Elimination of penalties: Under Section 2, subsection (a), no person will face penalties for refusing or neglecting to answer questions on the American Community Survey or any future version of it. This protects individuals from any legal consequences related to not responding.
-
Clear communication of rights: Section 2, subsection (b) requires the Secretary to include a statement on the survey itself. This ensures that people are explicitly informed that their participation is voluntary.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly mentioned in the text provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+5Improves Government Transparency+3
- 4/6/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/29/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Barry MooreRepublican · Alabama