The rules on special censuses and programs have been simplified by the U.S. Census Bureau, effective February 20, 2026.
Per the Federal Register Notice, “By this rule, the Census Bureau is amending its regulations governing requests and establishing fee structures for special census services and studies. This action is necessary to eliminate obsolete provision and streamline the Census Bureau’s regulations. This action is intended to promote simplicity and efficiency and to reduce the possibility of public confusion.”
It “amends the Census Bureau’s regulations at 15 CFR part 50, which govern requests and establish fee structures for special census services and studies” by removing:
- § 50.1(a), which had read as follows: “Fee structure for age search and citizenship service, special population censuses, and for foreign trade and shipping statistics.” According to the FRN, the Bureau “determined that this incomplete introductory sentence creates a risk of confusion and also is unnecessary, given the sufficiently explanatory contents of § 50.1(b) and other subsequent sections.”
- § 50.30, which had “established a fee structure for foreign trade and shipping statistics. However, that section is now obsolete, as the Census Bureau no longer charges fees for such services. The removal of § 50.30 will therefore ensure that the Census Bureau’s regulations are accurate and up-to-date.”
- § 50.40, which had “established a fee structure for statistics for city blocks for the 1980 census of population and housing. That section is now plainly obsolete and no longer serves any meaningful purpose. The removal of § 50.40 will simplify part 50 and reduce the possibility of unnecessary confusion and/or distraction.”
The FRN asserts that “these three changes will simplify and streamline part 50 and reduce the possibility of public confusion—thereby promoting efficiency—without substantively altering any obligations of the Census Bureau or public rights.”
- Streamlining the Regulations Governing Requests for Special Census Services and Studies https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/20/2026-03384/streamlining-the-regulations-governing-requests-for-special-census-services-and-studies
