Bill · S. 265· Senate(119-S-265)
Freedom from Government Surveys Act
- Introduced
- 1/28/2025
- Last activity
- 1/28/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- James Risch
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Freedom from Government Surveys Act," aims to change how people interact with the American Community Survey. It seeks to make participation in the survey completely voluntary. To achieve this, it amends title 13 of the United States Code to ensure no penalties apply to those who refuse or neglect 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 removes legal penalties for refusing to answer government survey questions, increasing individual privacy and autonomy.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill requires a statement on the survey clarifying that participation is voluntary.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Removal of Penalties: Under Section 2, subsection (a), the bill amends title 13 so that no penalties apply to any person who refuses or neglects to answer questions on the American Community Survey or its successors. This means individuals would no longer face legal repercussions for not responding.
-
Clearer Information: Section 2, subsection (b) requires the Secretary to include a statement on the survey itself clarifying that participation is voluntary. This provides direct notice to people that they are not required to participate.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are 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
- 1/28/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Mike CrapoRepublican · Idaho
Steve DainesRepublican · Montana
Cindy Hyde-SmithRepublican · Mississippi
Cynthia LummisRepublican · Wyoming