An Act to simplify the language used by state agencies

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Gaskey and 1 co-sponsor

Requires state agencies to publish plain-language web content and provide analog (non-digital) formats at the same reading level, boosting accessibility for MA residents.

Bill Summary: An Act to simplify the language used by state agencies (HD 116)

Overview

Purpose: To require state executive offices and agencies to use plain, simple language on their web services and to provide non-digital (analog) alternatives, making information more accessible to Massachusetts residents.

Bill status: Proposed bill. The information provided does not include a current status update.

Origin: Introduced as House Docket No. 116 and identified as a refiled measure with a similar prior filing in the 2023-2024 session.

Core Provisions (as amended in the bill text)

The bill would amend Section 4C of Chapter 7D of the General Laws by replacing the existing second sentence with four new sentences focused on plain-language web services:

The Chief Digital Officer (CDO) shall improve the web services for executive offices and agencies.

The CDO shall require plain and simple language that is consistent with the average reading comprehension level of Massachusetts residents, as determined by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, for all web services.

The web services must include information on common issues faced by the public.

The CDO shall provide analog alternatives for the web services information, written in the same plain and simple language and aligned with the same reading level, as determined by the Commissioner.

Who is Affected

Executive offices and state agencies that maintain websites and online information for the public.

The Chief Digital Officer’s office (and related state-level digital governance structure) would oversee and implement these changes.

Implementation and Timeline

The text specifies structural changes to web content standards but does not include a specific effective date or phased timeline in the excerpt provided.

Implementation would involve updating web content practices, establishing plain-language standards, and producing analog materials where applicable.

Context and Related Legislation

The bill notes a similar matter filed in a prior session (House, No. 3781 of 2023-2024), indicating ongoing interest in plain-language government communication.

It ties the readability standard to the average reading comprehension level of the state’s residents as determined by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, creating a formal linkage between educational measurement and public-facing communications.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

Accessibility: Aims to improve comprehension for a broad audience, including non-native speakers and individuals with varying literacy levels.

Content Requirements: Agencies may need to review and revise existing web materials to meet plain-language standards and create analog (non-digital) formats (e.g., print materials, phone-based information) that reflect the same language clarity.

Oversight: Places ongoing responsibility on the Chief Digital Officer and the education commissioner to determine and enforce readability levels.

Costs and Resources: Possible short-term costs for rewriting content, training staff, and producing analog materials, offset by long-term improvements in public understanding and reduced information barriers.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize specific sections of the bill or compare it to similar prior legislation.