Census Bureau Scrubs Redundant Rules for Cleaner Data Laws
Published Date: 1/23/2026
Rule
Summary
The Census Bureau is cleaning up its rules by removing two repetitive sections about personal census data requests. This change makes the rules easier to understand without changing anyone’s rights or costs. Starting January 23, 2026, anyone dealing with census data will enjoy a simpler, clearer process—no extra fees or delays involved!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Census Rules Simplified, Two Sections Removed
If you request personal census data, two regulatory sections (15 CFR 80.5 and 80.6) are removed effective January 23, 2026. The change simplifies and clarifies the rules but does not change any substantive rights, obligations, fees, or penalties for requesters.
No New Paperwork or Recordkeeping
This rule will not impose additional reporting or recordkeeping requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). You will not face new paperwork burdens because of this change.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20249, Notice of Data Sharing Activity
Starting October 2, 2026, the Census Bureau will share some business survey data with the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) to help make U.S. economic stats more accurate and efficient. This affects businesses that voluntarily provide info in Census surveys, with no legal pressure to share. Only trusted BEA staff sworn to keep data secret will see the info, and there’s no cost impact for businesses.
2026-20155, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD)
The Census Bureau wants to keep collecting data for the Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD) program, which helps track jobs and workers over time. They’re asking the public to comment by November 30, 2026, before they get final approval from the Office of Management and Budget. This keeps the data flowing without adding extra hassle or cost to businesses and workers.
2026-20167, 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 is asking for approval to collect info from 230 workforce training groups linked to Manufacturing USA and two grant programs. This new data will help track how well these training programs work by connecting participant info with Census data. The goal? To make smarter decisions about future workforce investments without adding too much extra work—each group spends just 1-2 hours a year on this.
2026-20153, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Quarterly Services Survey (QSS)
The U.S. Census Bureau wants to keep running the Quarterly Services Survey for three more years without changes. This survey asks certain U.S. service businesses for info to help track the economy. If you’re involved, you can comment by November 30, 2026, but there’s no new cost or extra paperwork planned.
2026-19301, Proposed Data Sharing Activity
The Census Bureau wants to share some business data with the Bureau of Economic Analysis to help improve economic reports. This change affects businesses whose data is collected and aims to make government info more useful without extra costs. People have until November 23, 2026, to share their thoughts on this plan.
2026-18481, Decennial Census of the Population of Americans; Proposed Residence Criteria and Proposed Regulations for Demographic Questions
The Census Bureau is proposing to add two new parts to the Code of Federal Regulations governing the decennial census of population and housing. First, the Census Bureau is proposing to add a part outlining the residence criteria used for identifying each person's "usual residence," as needed to determine whether and where to count them in the census of the population throughout the United States. Second, the Census Bureau is proposing to add a part establishing standards and restrictions for the inclusion of certain demographic questions on the decennial census short-form questionnaire and any other questionnaire used for the enumeration of the population. The Census Bureau is considering these two additions to better prioritize and fulfill its Constitutional mandate to count for apportionment the "whole number of persons in each State" based on the concept of "usual residence"--a process that factors in an element of allegiance but otherwise should be colorblind and should not be distorted in any way by questions about immaterial personal characteristics, such as race. Although these two parts are somewhat related and complementary, each is being proposed independently based on its own merits. These proposals are intended to ensure fidelity to the Constitution, improve and protect the core decennial census data, and promote efficiency.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 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.
Next: 2026-01248, Security Zone; Corpus Christi and La Quinta Ship Channel, Corpus Christi, TX
From January 20 to 28, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary security zone around a ship carrying dangerous cargo in the Corpus Christi and La Quinta Ship Channels. Boats and people can’t enter this 500-yard safety bubble unless the Coast Guard says it’s okay. This rule keeps everyone safe without causing extra costs or long delays.