Removes requirement for promulgation by Governor of national census.
Impact
The impact of A359 is expected to simplify the legal processes associated with the application of census data in state governance and local district operations. By eliminating the requirement for formal promulgation by the Governor, A359 aims to reduce bureaucratic delays in adjusting representation based on the latest federal census data. The changes outlined aim to modernize the approach to census data utilization and improve efficiency in legislative processes. This bill may lead to quicker adjustments in apportioning representation in various government bodies based on updated population data, leading to more equitable representation across regions.
Summary
Assembly Bill A359 proposes to amend existing statutory laws concerning the promulgation by the Governor of the national census. Specifically, the bill removes the current requirement for the Governor to issue a formal promulgation of the national census data. Under existing law, the Governor was responsible for filing a bulletin issued by the director of the national census which informed the state of the population numbers as determined in the federal decennial census. The new bill streamlines this process by allowing the Governor to instead issue a statement declaring the date on which the census data was received, acknowledging that such information is now readily available online from the Census Bureau without the need for formal paperwork.
Contention
Concerns may arise surrounding the implications of removing the formal promulgation process. Critics might argue that the traditional requirement served as a necessary check to ensure that population data had been thoroughly validated and was officially acknowledged at the state level. The removal of this requirement, while seen as a modernization effort, could raise questions about the integrity of the census data application process within local governance and the potential for misinterpretations regarding the timing of representation shifts. Legislators may express differing opinions on whether the streamlined approach sufficiently safeguards against errors and maintains accountability.
Creates "Census Complete Count Trust Fund" in Department of State for funding efforts to achieve full count of State's population each federal decennial census.
Relates to the line of succession for the governor and lieutenant-governor in cases where they are impeached or unable to perform the duties of the office.
Relates to the line of succession for the governor and lieutenant-governor in cases where they are impeached or unable to perform the duties of the office.