The Plain Writing Act of 2010 was signed into law yesterday by President Obama. The law requires federal agencies to use plain, straightforward language in government documents that are issued to the public.
The law defines "plain writing" as "writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience." It also directs agencies to train employees on how to write plainly.
The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, who issued a news release that provides three before-and-after examples of plain language as applied to federal documents.
For more about plain language in government, click here.
