Honest Census Communications Act

“IV Deceptive Practices

“251. Prohibition on deceptive practices

“(a) No person, whether acting under color of law or otherwise, shall by any means, including by means of written, electronic or digital (including through a website, app, online forum, social media platform, streaming service, or any other means of communications using the internet or a similar communications network), or telephonic communications (including any phone call, text message, or any other communications sent, received, or transmitted using a wireless or wireline phone or a cellular or other phone network), communicate or cause to be communicated information described in subsection (b), or produce information described in such subsection with the intent that such information be communicated, if such person—

“(1) knows such information to be materially false; and

“(2) has the intent to impede or prevent another person from participating in any census under this title, including the decennial census of population.

“(b) Information described in this subsection is any information regarding—

“(1) the time, place, or manner of holding any such census; or

“(2) the qualifications for, or restrictions on, participation in any such census.

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

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