State agencies: governmental linguistics., the official text

An act to amend Section 6219 of the Government Code, relating to state agencies.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

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 instead require each state agency, as described above, to write each document it produces after January 1, 2027, either digitally or in print, in plain language, as specified, and would define “plain language” for purposes of that provision. The bill would authorize a state agency, as described above, to use standards created by the Office of Data and Innovation that identify how a state agency incorporates plain language 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.

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1.
Section 6219 of the Government Code is amended to read:
6219.
(a) As used in this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) “Plain language” means language that is clear and easily understood by the intended audience, avoids unnecessary legal or technical jargon, and uses words, sentences, and structures that facilitate comprehension and accessibility for common literacy levels, including individuals with disabilities or limited English proficiency.
(2) “State agency” means each department, commission, office, or other administrative agency of state government.
(3) “State agency document” means any publicly available instruction, form, license, communication, regulation, manual, memorandum, or any other written communication that is necessary to carry out the state agency’s responsibilities under the law.
(b) Each state agency shall write each document that it produces after January 1, 2027, either digitally or in print, in plain language, avoiding technical terms as much as possible, and using a coherent and easily readable style.
(c) To implement this section, a state agency may use standards created by the Office of Data and Innovation that identify how a state agency incorporates plain language principles and practices.
(d) Within existing personnel and resources, the head of each state agency shall do all of the following:
(1) Designate one or more senior officials within the state agency to oversee state agency implementation of this section.
(2) Communicate the requirements of this section to the employees of the state agency.
(3) Establish a process for overseeing the ongoing compliance of the state agency with the requirements of this section.