East Idaho Times

U.S. Senator Jim Risch of Idaho has introduced new legislation aimed at safeguarding the privacy rights of Americans. The proposed bill, named the Freedom from Government Surveys Act, seeks to make participation in the American Community Survey (ACS) voluntary and eliminate penalties for those who choose not to respond.

Senator Risch stated, "It is unacceptable for the federal government to punish Idahoans for protecting their personal, private details from intrusive surveys." He further explained that his bill would remove fines imposed on individuals exercising their right to privacy.

Risch's proposal is supported by fellow Senators Mike Crapo from Idaho, Steve Daines from Montana, Cynthia Lummis from Wyoming, and Cindy Hyde-Smith from Mississippi. Daines expressed his support by saying, "As U.S. citizens, we have a fundamental right to privacy. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation that will remove fines for Americans who exercise their right to not be subjected to prying ACS surveys."

Lummis added her perspective: "The people of Wyoming have a right to privacy and should not be bombarded by excessive government surveys. I’m proud to join Senator Risch and my colleagues in protecting Americans from facing fines for choosing not to complete intrusive and lengthy surveys."

The ACS is conducted annually by the U.S. Census Bureau with 3.5 million households selected randomly across America required to provide detailed demographic information about various aspects such as home life, work situations, and health conditions.

Currently, those who do not respond may face follow-up actions and monetary penalties enforced by the Census Bureau. The Freedom from Government Surveys Act aims to put an end to these practices.

Questions posed in the ACS that are considered invasive include inquiries about difficulties with daily activities like dressing or bathing; commuting times; agricultural sales; property value estimations; and primary heating fuels used at residences.