LGBTQ Data Inclusion Act
Latest action (26 Jun 2019): Introduced
What this bill does
The LGBTQ Data Inclusion Act would require federal agencies that conduct population surveys collecting demographic data—including the decennial census—to develop standards for adding voluntary questions on sexual orientation and gender identity. Within 180 days of enactment, agencies would need to review existing data sets to identify gaps, determine appropriate methods for collecting such information while protecting privacy, begin collecting the data, and periodically reassess their survey methods. Agency reports relying on demographic data would, where appropriate, include this information.
The bill affects federal agencies conducting surveys, as well as the general public who participate in those surveys. Any information collected on sexual orientation or gender identity would be subject to the same confidentiality protections already applicable to the survey. Participation would remain voluntary: no one could be required to disclose this information, and individuals could not be fined or penalized—including under existing Census Bureau penalty provisions—for declining to answer or for giving inaccurate answers to these specific questions.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on June 26, 2019, by Senator Tammy Baldwin with numerous cosponsors, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. It did not receive a committee vote or further floor action before the end of the 116th Congress, meaning it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
LGBTQ Data Inclusion Act
This bill requires federal agencies that collect information through a survey that includes demographic data (where subjects self-report information or a proxy provides information about the subject or responds for all persons in a household) to review existing data sets to determine in which data sets information about sexual orientation and gender identity is not included, and to assess needed changes in survey methods related to asking questions on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Agencies that publish reports relying on survey demographic data must include information on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Common questions
- What does S. 1980 do?
- The LGBTQ Data Inclusion Act would require federal agencies that conduct population surveys collecting demographic data—including the decennial census—to develop standards for adding voluntary questions on sexual orientation and gender identity. Within 180 days of enactment, agencies would need to review existing data sets to identify gaps, determine appropriate methods for collecting such information while protecting privacy, begin collecting the data, and periodically reassess their survey methods. Agency reports relying on demographic data would, where appropriate, include this information. The bill affects federal agencies conducting surveys, as well as the general public who participate in those surveys. Any information collected on sexual orientation or gender identity would be subject to the same confidentiality protections already applicable to the survey. Participation would remain voluntary: no one could be required to disclose this information, and individuals could not be fined or penalized—including under existing Census Bureau penalty provisions—for declining to answer or for giving inaccurate answers to these specific questions. The bill was introduced in the Senate on June 26, 2019, by Senator Tammy Baldwin with numerous cosponsors, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. It did not receive a committee vote or further floor action before the end of the 116th Congress, meaning it did not become law.
- Has S. 1980 become law?
- Not yet. As of 26 Jun 2019, S. 1980 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 1980?
- S. 1980 was sponsored by Sen. Tammy Baldwin [D-WI] (Democrat-WI), with 18 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 1980?
- Introduced (26 Jun 2019).
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