SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2527
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 24, 2020
Title: An act relating to protecting the rights of Washingtonians during the United States census.
Brief Description: Concerning the rights of Washingtonians during the United States census.
Sponsors: House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations (originally sponsored by Representatives Ramos, Kilduff, Gregerson, Valdez, Slatter, Ortiz-Self, Tarleton, Davis, Doglio, Callan, Ramel, Pollet, Hudgins, Ormsby and Santos).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/12/20, 66-30.
Committee Activity: State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections: 2/21/20.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)
Background: Since 1790, the United States (U.S.) decennial Census (Census) has been conducted every 10 years, as required by the United States Constitution, to determine the population of the entire country and to compile demographic information concerning age, sex, race, and ethnicity. The results determine the number of seats for each state in the U.S. House of Representatives and are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts. Census counts are also used to determine the distribution of federal funds to states, counties, and cities.
Summary of Bill: Census Bill of Rights and Responsibilities. The Legislature creates the Washington Census Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, affirming the rights of Washingtonians to:
participate in the Census free of threat or intimidation;
the confidentiality of information provided in the Census form;
respond to the Census by means made available to the respondent, including by phone, by mail, online, or in person;
request language assistance; and
verify the identity of a Census worker.
The Secretary of State must translate the Washington Census Bill of Rights and Responsibilities into other languages consistent with the federal Voting Rights Act. The Office of Financial Management must make the Washington Census Bill of Rights and Responsibilities available online.
Impersonating a Census Taker. A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor for impersonating a Census taker if they falsely represent they are a Census taker with the intent to:
interfere with the operation of the Census;
obtain information; or
obtain consent to enter a private dwelling.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This sets things up so people can partake in the Census freely. In many neighborhoods, rural areas, and tribal lands, it is harder to get Census numbers correct, and we want to make sure there is no undercounting. There were instances in the 2010 Census of impersonation of Census takers. People provide a lot of personal information to Census takers. Having a Washington penalty will deter bad actors and promote participation in the process.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Bill Ramos, Prime Sponsor; Alex Hur, OneAmerica.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.