In September 2026, the Census Bureau proposed significant changes to residency criteria and demographic questions in the 2030 census. The proposed changes would eliminate questions related to race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation, exclude most non-citizens from apportionment counts, and alter how seasonal residents of states and those living in group quarters (e.g., dorm buildings, nursing homes) are counted.
This hearing is the first of a two-part series discussing the potential ramifications of policy changes like those proposed by the Census Bureau. It will include testimony and presentations from experts and public officials about how the proposed changes to census residency criteria could impact Massachusetts, were they to be in effect in 2030. Particular focus will be given to the proposals regarding group quarters and seasonal residents and the exclusion of most non-citizens from the census count.
