117 S3133 IS: Honest Census Communications Act U.S. Senate 2021-11-02 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II117th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 3133IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESNovember 2, 2021Mr. Schatz (for himself, Mr. Casey, and Ms. Warren) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental AffairsA BILLTo amend chapter 7 of title 13, United States Code, to prohibit certain deceptive practices in relation to a census, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Honest Census Communications Act.

2.

Prohibition on deceptive practices relating to census

(a)

In general

Chapter 7 of title 13, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:IV

Deceptive Practices

251.

Prohibition on deceptive practices

(a)

Definitions

In this section— (1)the term census means any census under this title, including the decennial census of population; (2)the term census-related information means any information regarding—(A)the time, place, or manner of holding any census; or(B)the qualifications for, or restrictions on, participation in any census; and(3)the term covered communication means any—(A)written communication; (B)electronic or digital communication, including a communication through a website, application, online forum, social media platform, streaming service, or other means of communications using the internet or a similar communications network; or (C)telephonic communication, including any phone call, text message, or other communication sent, received, or transmitted using a wireless or wireline phone or a cellular or other phone network.(b)

Prohibition

It shall be unlawful for any person, whether acting under color of law or otherwise, to communicate or cause to be communicated any census-related information by any means, including by means of any covered communication, or to produce any census-related information with the intent that the census-related information be communicated—(1)knowing the census-related information to be materially false; and(2)with the intent to impede or prevent another person from participating in any census.(c)

Criminal penalties

Any individual who violates subsection (b) shall be fined in the amount equal to the maximum penalty provided under subsection (d), imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both.(d)

Civil penalties

A civil penalty of not more than $11,181 may be assessed against any individual who violates subsection (b).

.(b)

Clerical amendment

The table of sections for chapter 7 of title 13, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:Subchapter IV—Deceptive Practices 251. Prohibition on deceptive practices..