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SB 403

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Don Harmon

Arkansas' Act 449 creates a 30-member committee to boost census participation, aiming to prevent a $5.25 billion loss in federal funds due to undercounting.

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Bill Summary · SB 403

Summary of Senate Bill 403: 2030 Arkansas Complete Count Committee

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 403, now known as Act 449, aims to establish the 2030 Arkansas Complete Count Committee. The primary goal of this committee is to plan and conduct statewide educational and outreach initiatives that will enhance community awareness and participation in the 2030 Federal Decennial Census. The bill recognizes the critical importance of an accurate census count for federal funding, legislative redistricting, and overall community planning.

Key Provisions

  • Creation of the Committee: The bill establishes a 30-member committee appointed by various state officials, including the Governor, the Speaker of the House, and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. Members will represent diverse sectors, including government, education, health, and community organizations.

  • Committee Composition:

    • Appointees: Members include state agency secretaries, representatives from local governments, nonprofit organizations, and the faith community.
    • Chairperson: The Governor will designate a chair from the committee members.

  • Duties of the Committee:

    • Advise and assist state agencies and nonprofits to ensure an accurate population count.
    • Collaborate with the U.S. Census Bureau to develop strategies to improve response rates.
    • Analyze the causes of undercounting in the 2020 Census to inform future outreach efforts.
    • Collect data on integrating census outreach into existing state agency activities and estimate necessary funding.
    • Provide a written report of findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislative Council by September 1, 2026.

Impact

  • Community Engagement: The committee's initiatives are expected to significantly increase community participation in the census, particularly among historically undercounted populations, such as young children.

  • Funding Implications: An accurate census count is crucial for Arkansas, which faced a 5.04% undercount in the 2020 Census, potentially leading to a loss of $5.25 billion in federal funds by 2030. The committee's efforts aim to mitigate these losses by ensuring a more accurate count.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: March 6, 2025
  • Passed: The bill underwent several readings and amendments before being passed by both the Senate and House by March 31, 2025.
  • Enacted: The bill was signed into law and became Act 449 on April 7, 2025.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 403 represents a proactive approach by the State of Arkansas to address the challenges of census participation and ensure that all communities are accurately counted in the upcoming 2030 Federal Decennial Census. By establishing the Complete Count Committee, the state aims to enhance outreach efforts and secure vital federal resources for its residents.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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