AB-2360 • 2026

State agencies: governmental linguistics.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Arambula
Last action: 2026-04-09
Official status: From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 22. Noes 0.) (April 8). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary and digest do not provide details on enforcement mechanisms or consequences for non-compliance.

State agencies: governmental linguistics

This law requires California state agencies to write all their documents in plain language and post a plan on their website about how they will use clear writing.

What This Bill Does

Requires state agencies to write all their documents, both digital and printed, in plain language.
Defines 'plain language' for these rules.
Asks each agency to create and post a plain language policy on its internet website that outlines how the agency will use clear writing principles.

Who It Names or Affects

State agencies in California
People who read government documents

Terms To Know

plain language: Writing that is clear and easy for everyone to understand, without using complicated words or jargon.

Limits and Unknowns

Does not specify how agencies will be checked if they follow the rules.
Does not explain what happens if an agency does not use plain language.
The bill has passed both chambers of the California Legislature but its final status is pending executive action.

Bill History

2026-04-09 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 22. Noes 0.) (April 8). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-03-09 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on G.O.
2026-02-20 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 22.
2026-02-19 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 2360, as introduced, Arambula.
State agencies: governmental linguistics.
Existing law requires each department, commission, office, or other administrative agency of state government to write each document, as defined, that it produces in plain, straightforward language, avoiding technical terms as much as possible, and using a coherent and easily readable style.
This bill would specify that the plain, straightforward language requirement applies to both digital and printed documents, and would define “plain language” for purposes of that provision. The bill would require each state agency, as described above, to create, adopt, and post on its internet website a plain language policy that identifies how the state agency will incorporate or strengthen plain language writing and design principles and practices. The bill would require the head of each state agency to, among other things, designate one or more senior
officials within the state agency to oversee state agency implementation of these provisions.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

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