Census Bureau Declutters Its Sacred Seal Regulations Overnight
Published Date: 1/23/2026
Rule
Summary
The Census Bureau is cleaning up its rules about the official seal by removing extra, confusing language and putting everything into one clear rule. This change affects anyone who uses or manages the seal and takes effect right away on January 23, 2026. It won’t cost extra money but will make the rules easier to understand and follow.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Census Seal Rules Simplified
The Census Bureau consolidated and clarified the official seal rules by removing 15 CFR 100.1 and 100.3 and revising 15 CFR 100.2 to be the single, approved description of the seal. You (and anyone who uses or manages the seal) are affected by this change, which takes effect January 23, 2026.
No New Paperwork or Costs
The Census Bureau states this rule will not impose additional reporting or recordkeeping requirements and will not cause extra costs. The Bureau also waived prior notice and comment and made the rule effective January 23, 2026.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-18304, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Business Trends and Outlook Survey
2026-18176, Current Mandatory Business Surveys
The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) will conduct the following current three mandatory business surveys in 2026: (1) Annual Integrated Economic Survey; (2) Annual Business Survey; and (3) Business and Professional Classification Report. We have determined that data collected from these surveys are needed to aid the efficient performance of essential governmental functions and have significant application to the needs of the public and industry. The data derived from these surveys, most of which have been conducted for many years, are not publicly available from nongovernmental or other governmental sources.
2026-14554, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Generic Clearance for Internet Panel Pretesting and Qualitative Survey Methods Testing
The Census Bureau wants to keep testing online surveys and internet panels to make sure their questions work well and don’t waste your time. They’re asking for your thoughts by September 18, 2026, before getting final approval. This helps keep surveys smart, quick, and less annoying for everyone involved, with no extra cost or big time changes.
2026-14513, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; the Manufacturers' Shipments, Inventories and Orders (M3) Survey
The Census Bureau wants to keep collecting monthly info from U.S. manufacturers about their shipments, inventories, and orders through the M3 survey. They’re asking the public to share thoughts by September 18, 2026, before they get final approval. This helps keep the data flowing without adding extra hassle or cost to businesses.
2026-14512, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Survey of Housing Starts, Sales, and Completions
The Census Bureau wants to keep running its Survey of Housing Starts, Sales, and Completions for three more years and is asking the public to share their thoughts by September 18, 2026. This survey helps track new home building and sales, affecting builders, buyers, and policymakers. No big changes or costs are planned, just a smooth continuation to keep housing data fresh and useful.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-01293, Establishment of Class E Airspace; Washburn, ND
The FAA is creating new Class E airspace around Washburn Municipal Airport in North Dakota to support safer flying with new instrument procedures. This change helps pilots fly using instruments, especially in bad weather, starting May 14, 2026. Local pilots and air traffic controllers will benefit, and there’s no cost impact for the public.
Next: 2026-01316, Safety Zone; St. Clair River, St. Clair, MI
On January 24, 2026, from 6 to 7 p.m., the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone around a fireworks show on the St. Clair River in St. Clair, MI. Boats and people can’t enter this 50-yard zone unless they get special permission. This quick move keeps everyone safe from fireworks hazards without causing any fees or long-term changes.