Census Bureau Ditches Duplicate Rule on Public Info Disclosure
Published Date: 1/23/2026
Rule
Summary
The Census Bureau is cleaning house by removing an old, unnecessary rule that just pointed to another set of rules about sharing information. This change affects anyone interested in accessing Census records but won’t change any rights or costs. The update kicks in on January 23, 2026, making the rules simpler and less cluttered without any extra hassle or expense.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Census removes redundant disclosure rule
If you request Census Bureau records, the agency has removed 15 CFR part 60 (Sec. 60.1) and will rely on the Department-wide FOIA rules at 15 CFR part 4 instead. This change takes effect January 23, 2026, and the Bureau says it does not change any substantive rights, obligations, fees, or costs for accessing records.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11886 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; DOC-Census Workforce Development Collection
The Census Bureau wants your thoughts on a new survey about workforce training programs run by the Department of Commerce. This survey will help improve how they track and support people in these programs, with no cost to participants. You’ve got until August 11, 2026, to share your feedback before the survey gets the green light from the Office of Management and Budget.
2026-11293 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS)
The Census Bureau is asking to keep collecting housing vacancy info every month without changes. About 59,000 landlords, rental agents, and neighbors help by sharing quick updates on empty homes, which helps everyone understand the housing market better. This survey keeps running smoothly with no extra cost or time burden, and you’ve got 30 days to share your thoughts!
2026-10370 — Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR): Clarification of Filing Requirements Regarding In-Transit Shipments and Other FTR Provisions; Correction
The Census Bureau fixed some small mistakes in the Foreign Trade Regulations that affect how companies report shipments passing through the U.S. These corrections don’t change the rules but make the instructions clearer and easier to follow. The updated rules took effect on May 26, 2026, so businesses should use the corrected info now to avoid confusion or delays.
2026-10118 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Commodity Flow Survey (CFS)
The Census Bureau is asking for public feedback on bringing back the Commodity Flow Survey with some updates. This survey helps track how goods move across the U.S., affecting businesses that ship products. Comments are open until July 20, 2026, and the survey supports better planning without adding extra costs to participants.
2026-08807 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; 2030 Census Locate Address Test for Accessory Dwelling Units
The Census Bureau is testing a new way to find and count smaller homes called Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) for the 2030 Census. About 750 people will be asked quick questions to help improve address lists and make sure everyone is counted. This test starts soon and helps the Census plan better without costing much time or money.
2026-06133 — Streamlining the Census Bureau's Foreign Trade Regulations
Starting March 30, 2026, the Census Bureau is making its foreign trade rules simpler and easier to follow by cutting out extra references and combining similar sections. This change helps businesses and officials save time and money without changing any actual trade responsibilities. If you deal with U.S. export controls or customs, these updates will make your job smoother and clearer!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-01242 — Eliminating Regulations Contemplating Collaboration With USAID To Train Foreign Participants in Census Procedures and General Statistics
The Census Bureau is wiping away old rules about training foreign folks in census and stats work with USAID. This cleanup removes outdated stuff, clears up confusion, and focuses on American priorities. The change kicks in on January 23, 2026, with no extra costs or hassles for anyone.
Next: 2026-01244 — Eliminating Unnecessary and Overly-Restrictive Regulations Related to the Release of Decennial Census Population Information
The Census Bureau is ditching old, unnecessary rules about sharing population numbers from the decennial census. This change helps the Secretary of Commerce work faster and smarter without being slowed down by outdated red tape. It affects states and local governments who get census data, and it kicks in right away on January 23, 2026, with no extra costs involved.