Bill > HB1943

This bill introduces the Oklahoma Plain Writing Act of 2025, which aims to make government documents more accessible and understandable to the public. The legislation applies to all state agencies, including boards, commissions, departments, and offices of government, and requires them to use plain writing in their documents. "Plain writing" is defined as clear, concise, and well-organized communication that is appropriate for its intended audience. Within nine months of the act's effective date, agency heads must designate officials to oversee implementation, train employees in plain writing, create a dedicated plain writing section on their websites, and establish points of contact for public input. Starting one year after the effective date, agencies must use plain writing in all "covered documents," which include forms, letters, publications, and instructions related to government services, benefits, or compliance requirements. The Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services will develop implementation guidance, and agencies can initially follow existing federal plain language guidelines. Each agency must publish reports describing and demonstrating their compliance with the act. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that there will be no judicial review of compliance and that the act does not create any enforceable legal rights. The act will become effective on November 1, 2025.

Government Affairs

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb1943&Session=2600