Ill STAT. 2274 PUBLIC LAW 105-113—NOV. 21, 1997 Public Law 105-113 105th Congress An Act Nov. 21, 1997 To transfer to the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to conduct the census [H.R. 2366] of agriculture, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of Census of the United States of America in Congress assembled, Agriculture Act of 1997. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 7 USC 2201 note. rpj^-^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^ ^.^^^ ^^ ^^le "Census of Agriculture Act of 1997". 7 USC 2204g. SEC. 2. AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE TO CONDUCT CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE. (a) CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE REQUIRED. —In 1998 and every fifth year thereafter, the Secretary of Agriculture shall take a census of agriculture. (b) METHODS.— In connection with the census, the Secretary may conduct any survey or other information collection, and employ any sampling or other statistical method, that the Secretary determines is appropriate. (c) YEAR OF INFORMATION.—The information collected in each census taken under this section shall relate to the year immediately preceding the year in which the census is taken. (d) ENFORCEMENT.— (1) FRAUD.—A person over 18 years of age who willfully gives an answer that is false to a question, which is authorized by the Secretary to be submitted to the person in connection with a census under this section, shall be fined not more than $500. (2) REFUSAL OR NEGLECT TO ANSWER QUESTIONS.— A person over 18 years of age who refuses or willfully neglects to answer a question, which is authorized by the Secretary to be submitted to the person in connection with a census under this section, shall be fined not more than $100. (3) SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.— The failure or refusal of a person to disclose the person's Social Security number in response to a request made in connection with any census or other activity under this section shall not be a violation under this subsection. (4) RELIGIOUS INFORMATION. — Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, no person shall be compelled to disclose information relative to the religious beliefs of the person or to membership of the person in a religious body. (e) GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE.—^A census under this section shall include— (1) each of the several States of the United States;
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