S. 2291 · 110th Congress
Plain Language in Government Communications Act of 2007
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Never voted on. It didn't reach a floor vote before the 110th Congress ended, so it expired. A bill has to be introduced again to be considered in a new Congress.
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AkakaSponsor9 cosponsors · 6 D, 3 R
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Carper
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Levin
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McCaskill
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Obama
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Clinton
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Tester
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Voinovich
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Collins
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Cochran3 signed on when it was introduced; the rest joined later. Cosponsors who withdrew aren't shown.
Plain Language in Government Communications Act of 2007 - Requires each executive agency, not later than one year after enactment of this Act, to use plain language in any covered document issued or substantially revised after the enactment of this Act.
What it does: CRS summary · Reported to Senate without amendment · Jul 10, 2008
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Plain Language in Government Communications Act of 2007 - Requires each executive agency, not later than one year after enactment of this Act, to use plain language in any covered document issued or substantially revised after the enactment of this Act. Defines "covered document" to include: (1) documents that provide information about any government requirement or program or that are relevant to obtaining any government benefit or service; and (2) letters, publications, forms, notices, or instructions.
Requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue guidance on implementing such requirements to agencies as a circular. Authorizes agencies, pending issuance of such guidance, to follow the guidance of the Plain English Handbook published by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the plain language guidelines developed by the Plain Language Action and Information Network, or their own plain language guidance as long as it is consistent with the Network's guidelines.
Requires each agency head to report to specified congressional committees on how the agency intends to: (1) communicate the requirements of this Act to employees; (2) train employees to write in plain language; (3) meet the plain language requirement; (4) ensure ongoing compliance with this Act; and (5) designate a senior official to be responsible for implementing this Act. Requires: (1) agency heads to report on compliance to OMB; and (2) OMB to report on the progress of agencies to such committees.
Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov
About this bill and sources
Official title: Plain Language in Government Communications Act of 2007
Latest action (Jul 10, 2008): Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 869.
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics · Origin: Senate · Introduced: Nov 1, 2007
Official page on Congress.gov · Bill text (GovInfo) · Status record (XML)
No recorded floor vote found.