H.R. 3548 Plain Language in Government Communications Act

H.R. 3548 was introduced by Rep. Braley on September 17, 2007. The bill requires agencies to use plain language in government documents related to obtaining a service or a benefit. Examples of such documents include letters from the Social Security Administration about Social Security benefits or a notice from the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the GI bill. The bill defines plain language as “language that the intended audience can readily understand and use because it is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices of plain language writing,” and requires agencies to use plain language in any new document that explains how to obtain a benefit or service or that is relevant to obtaining such a benefit or service.