Plain English Breakdown
The official summary contains conflicting phrasing ('require each authorize a state agency'), suggesting ambiguity on whether creating and posting the policy is mandatory or optional. The rewrite reflects the 'authorize' wording to be safe.
AB-2360: Plain Language Rules for State Agencies
This law requires California state agencies to write all documents produced after January 1, 2027, in plain language and to post a policy on how they will follow these rules.
What This Bill Does
- Requires state agencies to use plain language for both digital and printed documents created after January 1, 2027.
- Defines the term 'plain language' so all agencies have clear standards.
- Authorizes each agency to create, adopt, and post a policy on its website explaining how it will improve or strengthen plain language writing and design.
- Allows agencies to use standards created by the Office of Data and Innovation for incorporating plain language principles.
- Requires heads of state agencies to assign one or more senior officials to oversee these rules.
Who It Names or Affects
- State departments, commissions, offices, and other administrative agencies
- Heads of state agencies who must designate senior officials to manage the new requirements
Terms To Know
- Plain language
- A term defined by this bill for writing that is clear, straightforward, and avoids technical terms as much as possible.
- Office of Data and Innovation
- The state group whose standards agencies may use to incorporate plain language principles and practices.
Limits and Unknowns
- The bill authorizes but does not strictly require every agency to adopt the Office of Data and Innovation's specific standards.
- The official text provided does not list penalties for agencies that fail to comply with these rules.
- While existing law already required plain language, this bill changes when it applies (after January 1, 2027) rather than creating a brand new requirement from scratch.