H.R. 4820 — Freedom from Government Surveys Act

This section clarifies the voluntary nature of the American Community Survey (ACS)—the Census Bureau's ongoing survey providing annual demographic, social, economic, and housing data to supplement the decennial census—by (1) amending 13 U.S.C. 221 to exempt nonrespondents from civil penalties for refusing or neglecting to answer ACS questions, and (2) amending 13 U.S.C. 193 to require the Secretary to include a statement on the ACS (or successor survey) indicating that participation is voluntary. (Thus, ACS responses are no longer subject to enforcement under current law.)