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Theme:Usability of the Standards:Oregon Plain Language

Oregon passed a plain language bill, which is expected to be signed soon by the governor.

Text of the bill

From the text of the bill:

(2) For purposes of the plan developed in accordance with subsection (1) of this section, a written document conforms to plain language standards if the document, whenever possible:

(a) Uses everyday words that convey meanings clearly and directly;

(b) Uses the present tense and the active voice;=

(c) Uses short, simple sentences;

(d) Defines only those words that cannot be properly explained or qualified in the text;

(e) Uses type of a readable size; and

(f) Uses layout and spacing that separate the paragraphs and sections of the document from each other.

Press Release about the bill

For Immediate Release: May 8, 2007 Contact: Marcus Swift – (503)-986-1429

Plain Language Bill sails through Senate

Innovative legislation heads to Governor’s Desk for signature


SALEM - The innovative “Plain Talk Oregon” legislation sponsored by Representative Chuck Riley (D-Hillsboro), quickly sailed through the Oregon Senate and passed by a 27-1 margin on Monday. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

“This is a great day for improving government efficiency,” said Rep. Riley upon passage. “This bill will save state agencies from making repeated contacts and fielding high volumes of customer service calls because of confusing bureaucratic jargon,” Riley says. “It will save tax dollars.”

House Bill 2702, a bipartisan effort dubbed “Plain Talk Oregon,” will require agencies within Oregon state government to begin adopting the principles of communication known as “plain language,” a method that uses everyday words to convey meanings clearly and directly and uses short simple sentences in an easy-to-read layout.

Since March, the bill has gained nationwide attention from communications experts, as well as several Governors. “I applaud this bill’s sponsor, Representative Riley, for addressing such an important issue in state government,” said Florida Governor Charlie Crist in written testimony supporting the bill.

In April, the bill passed the Oregon House of Representatives by a 57-1 margin.

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