WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

AB 2360

State agencies: governmental linguistics.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joaquin Arambula

AB 2360 requires all California state documents to be in plain, clear language and mandates each agency adopt a public plain language policy with designated oversight.

From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 14. Noes 0.) (June 23). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
#stateagencies #governmentallinguistics
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 2360

Summary of AB 2360 (2025-2026) — California State Agencies: Governmental Linguistics

Purpose and Intent

  • AB 2360, introduced by Assembly Member Arambula, seeks to strengthen the use of plain language across all state government documents.
  • The bill amends Government Code Section 6219 to require that plain, straightforward language be used in both digital and printed state documents.
  • It also requires each state agency to adopt and post a plain language policy on its website and to designate staff to oversee and implement these provisions.

Key Provisions and Changes

  1. Plain Language Requirement (digital and print)

    • Agencies must produce every document in plain, straightforward language, avoiding technical terms where possible and using a coherent, easily readable style.
    • Applies to all state agency documents produced by any department, commission, office, or other administrative agency.

  2. Plain Language Policy

    • Each state agency must create, adopt, and publicly post on its internet site a plain language policy.
    • The policy should identify how the agency will incorporate or strengthen plain language writing and design principles and practices.

  3. Agency Leadership and Oversight (within existing resources)

    • The head of each state agency must:
      • Designate one or more senior officials to oversee implementation.
      • Communicate the requirements to agency employees.
      • Establish a process to oversee ongoing compliance with the plain language requirements.
      • Designate one or more points of contact to receive and respond to public input related to plain language implementation or to any agency document not easily readable.

  4. Definitions (as used in the section)

    • Plain Language: Clear, easily understood by the intended audience, avoids unnecessary legal or technical jargon, and uses language that supports comprehension for general literacy levels, including individuals with disabilities or limited English proficiency.
    • State Agency Document: Any contract, form, license, announcement, regulation, manual, memorandum, or any other written communication essential to carrying out the agency’s legal responsibilities.

Who is Affected

  • All departments, commissions, offices, and other administrative agencies of the California state government.
  • Agency staff involved in producing or disseminating official documents, including translators, designers, and communications personnel.
  • Members of the public who interact with state agency documents, as they should experience clearer, more accessible communications.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill was introduced February 19, 2026, and follows the standard legislative progression in the California Assembly (referred to committees and hearings with action history indicating committee consideration and passage in April 2026).
  • Action History notes:
    • Referred to Committee on Government Organization (GO) in March 2026.
    • Passed from committee and moved to the Appropriation Committee, then to Consent Calendar (April 2026).
    • Indicates ”Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar,” suggesting final legislative steps may occur following review by the Appropriations Committee.
  • Fiscal impact: The bill notes “Appropriation: NO,” indicating no direct new appropriation is requested at this time. However, agencies would need to implement policy and oversight within existing resources.
  • The undefined language in the provided text about partial definitions appears to align on clarifying “plain language” and “state agency document,” ensuring consistency with existing plain-language standards.

Potential Impacts

  • Increased clarity and readability of state communications, contracts, licenses, forms, regulations, and other official documents.
  • Enhanced accessibility for individuals with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency.
  • Creation of formal oversight and a public-facing plain language policy for each agency, potentially improving public trust and reducing misinterpretation of state materials.
  • Administrative burden on agencies to designate senior oversight staff and establish compliance processes within current staffing resources.

Overall Assessment

AB 2360 aims to codify and expand the plain language requirements for state documents, mandating a formal policy, designated oversight, and public accessibility. If enacted, California state agencies would implement clearer communications across both digital and print formats, with measurable oversight mechanisms to monitor ongoing compliance.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.