MA H851

Creates a 29-member Massachusetts Census Equity Commission within the Secretary of State's office to ensure accurate counting of all residents, particularly undercounted communities including communities of color, immigrants, homeless individuals, low-income residents, and children under 16

Commission membership includes state officials (Secretary of State as chair, Attorney General), legislators from both parties and caucuses, city council members from Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, New Bedford, Barnstable, and Greenfield, plus representatives from immigrant, homeless, faith, disability, and veteran communities

Requires development of census outreach programs through school-based initiatives, nonprofit partnerships, and multi-lingual, multi-media campaigns, with at least 40% of outreach funds directed to undercounted communities

Mandates monthly meetings during the 24 months before census day and quarterly meetings otherwise, with rotating locations throughout the commonwealth

Requires three reports to the governor and legislature: an interim report by June 1 of the odd-numbered year before census day, a final outreach plan by December 10, and a post-implementation assessment by February 1 of the odd-numbered year after census day