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Plain Language in Government Communications Act of 2008
To enhance citizen access to Government information and services by establishing plain language as the standard style for Government documents issued to the public, and for other purposes.
Other Bill Titles (4 more) 9/17/2007--Introduced.
Plain Language in Government Communications Act of 2007 - Requires each executive agency, within one year, to use plain language in any covered document issued or substantially revised after the date of the enactment of this Act. Authorizes agencies to:
use plain language in any revision of a covered document issued on or before such date; and
(2) follow the guidance of the Plain English Handbook published by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Plain Language Guidelines, or their own plain language guidance as long as it is consistent with such Guidelines.
Defines "covered document" to include:
(1) any document relevant to obtaining a benefit or service; and
(2) a letter, publication, form, notice, or instruction, but not a regulation.
Requires each agency head to report to specified congressional committees on how it intends to:
(1) communicate the requirements of this Act to employees;
(2) train employees to write in plain language;
(3) meet the one year deadline;
(4) ensure ongoing compliance with this Act; and
(5) designate a senior official to be responsible for implementing this Act.
... moreSee Full Bill Text
Committees
Amendments
This bill has no amendments.
Bill Status
| Introduced |  | Voted on by House |  | Voted on by Senate | | Considered By President | | Bill Becomes Law |
| September 17, 2007 | April 14, 2008 |
Latest Vote
| April 14, 2008Roll call number 185 in the House | |||
| Question: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended: H R 3548 Plain Language in Government Communications Act | |||
| Required percentage of 'Aye' votes: 2/3 (66%) | Percentage of 'aye' votes: 87% | Result: Passed | |
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In the News
March 31, 2008 US Rep. Braley: To deliver keynote address at plain language ...
Braley will discuss his Plain Language in Government Communications Act (HR 3548), which was recently passed by the House Oversight and Government Reform ...
Blog Coverage
May 14, 2008 200 plus yrs of Federal Govt and we are just now
getting around to this: Plain Language in Government Communications Act of 2008.
Source: taxingtennessee
May 12, 2008 Making government documents understandable
((Cross posted from my human factors blog)) Well, its not the law yet, but the House of Representatives passed the Plain Language in Government Communications Act of 2008. Now we just need the Senate at GW to join up. ...
Source: public policy demogogue
May 12, 2008 Legislation to Eschew Obfuscation
If youâve ever been confused by any document put out by the US Federal Government, then you should be happy to know that the House of Representatives recently passed the Plain Language in Government Communications Act of 2008. ...
Source: Ben Menoza
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