SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2458 FILED ON: 2/6/2023
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No.
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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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PRESENTED BY:
Michael F. Rush
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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:
An Act providing for plain writing in certain government documents.
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PETITION OF:
Name: | District/Address: |
Michael F. Rush | Norfolk and Suffolk |
SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2458 FILED ON: 2/6/2023
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No.
By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michael F. Rush for legislation to provide for plain writing in certain government documents. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. |
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE SENATE, NO. 2019 OF 2021-2022.]
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court
(2023-2024)
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An Act providing for plain writing in certain government documents.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 6 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:-
Section 221. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
“Agency”, as defined in section 39.
“Covered document”, any document that: (i) is necessary for obtaining any state benefit or service or filing taxes; (ii) provides information about any state benefit or service; or (iii) explains to the public how to comply with a requirement the commonwealth administers or enforces; provided, however, that “covered document” shall include a letter, publication, form, notice or instruction, whether in paper or electronic form; provided further, that “covered document” shall not include a regulation.
“Plain writing”, writing that is clear, concise, well-organized and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience.
“Regulation”, as defined in section 1 of chapter 30A.
(b) The head of each agency shall: (i) designate at least 1 senior official within the agency to oversee the implementation of this section; (ii) communicate the requirements of this section to the employees of the agency; (iii) train employees in plain writing; and (iv) establish a process for overseeing the ongoing compliance of the agency with the requirements of this section.
(c) Each agency shall use plain writing in every covered document that the agency issues or substantially revises.
SECTION 2. The state auditor shall issue guidance on implementing the requirements of this act not more than 6 months after the effective date of this act. The state auditor may designate a working group to assist in developing and issuing the guidance.
SECTION 3. Each agency, as defined in section 39 of chapter 6 of the General Laws, shall meet the requirements of subsection (b) of section 221 of said chapter 6 not more than 1 year after the effective date of this act.
SECTION 4. Each agency, as defined in section 39 of chapter 6 of the General Laws, shall meet the requirements of subsection (c) of section 221 of said chapter 6 not more than 2 year after the effective date of this act.