Census Bureau Trims Red Tape for Special Surveys and Studies

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!

2026-05796 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; National Survey of Children's Health

The Census Bureau is updating its National Survey of Children's Health, which asks families about their kids' health and well-being. Around 127,000 households will take part, spending about 40 minutes each. This update helps keep the survey fresh and useful, with a 30-day public comment period open now—no extra costs for families, just a little time to share their stories!

2026-04382 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Current Population Survey (CPS) 2026 Field Test

The Census Bureau is asking for public feedback on a test version of the 2026 Current Population Survey, which helps gather important info about people’s jobs and living situations. This test will update how they collect data to make it easier and less time-consuming for everyone involved. Comments are open until May 4, 2026, and this process helps keep surveys smooth without costing extra money or time.

2025-05804 — Geographically Updated Population Certification Program

The Census Bureau is changing its Geographically Updated Population Certification Program by removing the fast-track option for updated population and housing counts tied to new government boundaries. This fee-based service, restarted in January 2024, helps governments get fresh 2020 Census data when boundaries change after the census. If you’re a local government, expect standard processing times and plan accordingly—no more speedy updates!

2026-06322 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Survey of State Government Research and Development

The Census Bureau is asking for approval to keep running its Survey of State Government Research and Development, which collects info from governors, mayors, and state agencies about their R&D activities. This survey helps the government understand how states invest in science and tech, with no changes to the process or extra costs. If you’re involved in state government, you might be asked to share data soon, and there’s a 30-day window to send in your comments.

2026-03980 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) Operation; Correction

The Census Bureau fixed a mistake about when the Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) review happens—it’s actually from October 2027 to March 2028, not 2028-2029. This update affects communities helping to check and update address lists for the 2030 Census. If you want to comment, you’ve got 60 days to share your thoughts, but no new costs or big changes are involved.

Previous: 2026-03375 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Hilcorp Alaska, LLC Oil and Gas Activities in Cook Inlet, Alaska

Hilcorp Alaska got the green light to do oil and gas work in Cook Inlet from 2026 to 2031, even if it means accidentally disturbing some marine mammals. The new rules make sure they minimize harm, keep an eye on the animals, and report what they find. This plan balances energy work with protecting Alaska’s sea creatures over the next five years.

Next: 2026-03413 — West Virginia Regulatory Program

West Virginia is updating its agreement with the federal government to keep managing coal mining and land cleanup on federal lands in the state. This change keeps things running smoothly under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, starting March 23, 2026. Coal miners, landowners, and local communities will see continued state oversight without new costs or delays.