PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB1721

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1721

Introduced
9/27/23  

Caption

Establishing the Pennsylvania Census Commission; and imposing duties on the Joint State Government Commission.

Impact

The establishment of this commission is expected to impact state laws by introducing a new body responsible for improving the handling and execution of census activities. This initiative aims to foster higher participation rates and better representation of communities that are traditionally hard to count. By reporting annually on its findings and developing strategic plans leading to future censuses, the commission will provide a structured oversight mechanism within the state government to enhance the accuracy of census data collection.

Summary

House Bill 1721 aims to establish the Pennsylvania Census Commission within the Joint State Government Commission, focusing on enhancing census activities throughout the state. The bill outlines the commission's structure, comprising various government officials and appointees representing diverse regions, ensuring that the voices of urban, suburban, and rural communities are represented. Among its primary duties, the commission is tasked with advising on census-related matters, identifying potential barriers to effective census completion, and actively promoting participation during the federal decennial census processes.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1721 appears to be generally supportive among legislators who see the creation of the commission as a proactive step toward ensuring all communities are counted in upcoming censuses. Advocates emphasize the importance of a complete and accurate census as foundational for equitable representation and resource allocation. However, there are some concerns among critics who may question the effectiveness of a newly formed governmental body and the potential bureaucratic challenges it may face in achieving its objectives.

Contention

While the bill presents a forward-thinking approach to census administration, notable points of contention may arise around the commission’s operational efficiency and its ability to engage communities effectively. Critics might argue that without proper funding and outreach strategies, the commission could fail to reach the very populations it aims to help. Additionally, the overall success of the commission will depend on the cooperation between different government sectors and agencies, which could be complicated by political or administrative disagreements.

Latest HB1721 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB767

Establishing the Pennsylvania Socially Diverse Farmers Commission and providing for its powers and duties.

PA HB1630

Establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers and duties; establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians Restricted Account; and establishing the Advisory Committee to Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers, duties and membership.

PA HB1113

Establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers and duties; establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians Restricted Account; and establishing the Advisory Committee to Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers, duties and membership.

PA SB805

Establishing a joint legislative, executive and judicial commission on the child welfare system; and conferring powers and imposing duties on the commission.

PA SB277

In Center for Rural Pennsylvania, further providing for board of directors; establishing the Rural Population Revitalization Commission and providing for duties of the commission; and making a repeal.

PA HB2132

Establishing the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission and the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission Fund; imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development; providing for the Entertainment Economic Enhancement Program;

PA SB1121

Establishing the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission and the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission Account; imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development; and making an editorial change.

PA HB2225

Establishing the Rural Population Revitalization Commission and providing for duties of the commission; and establishing the Rural Population Revitalization Fund.

PA SB1345

In budget and finance, providing for retired police dogs; establishing the K-9 Retirement Fund; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

PA HB1522

Establishing the Wildlife Rehabilitation Grant Program and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Grant Fund; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Similar Bills

PA SR116

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report on the issue of consolidated billing in the retail electricity and other energy markets in Pennsylvania.

PA HB2225

Establishing the Rural Population Revitalization Commission and providing for duties of the commission; and establishing the Rural Population Revitalization Fund.

PA SB277

In Center for Rural Pennsylvania, further providing for board of directors; establishing the Rural Population Revitalization Commission and providing for duties of the commission; and making a repeal.

PA SR295

Directing the Joint State Government Commission, along with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Department of Environmental Protection, to conduct an assessment and develop recommendations with the intention of establishing a comprehensive State energy strategy for this Commonwealth.

PA SB170

Providing for funding for certain State-aided universities for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, for costs basis, for frequency of payments and for recordkeeping requirements; imposing a duty on the Auditor General; providing for financial statements, for the Agricultural College Land Scrip Fund and for restrictions; and making appropriations.

PA HR416

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report on the court system's financial stability and its dependence on fines and fees.

PA HB613

Providing for funding for certain State-aided universities for

PA HB179

Authorizing the provision or sale of Pennsylvania milk in Pennsylvania schools.