Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 124.djvu/2887

 124 STAT. 2861 PUBLIC LAW 111–274—OCT. 13, 2010 Public Law 111–274 111th Congress An Act To enhance citizen access to Government information and services by establishing that Government documents issued to the public must be written clearly, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Plain Writing Act of 2010’’. SEC. 2. PURPOSE. The purpose of this Act is to improve the effectiveness and accountability of Federal agencies to the public by promoting clear Government communication that the public can understand and use. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) AGENCY.—The term ‘‘agency’’ means an Executive agency, as defined under section 105 of title 5, United States Code. (2) COVERED DOCUMENT.—The term ‘‘covered document’’— (A) means any document that— (i) is necessary for obtaining any Federal Govern- ment benefit or service or filing taxes; (ii) provides information about any Federal Government benefit or service; or (iii) explains to the public how to comply with a requirement the Federal Government administers or enforces; (B) includes (whether in paper or electronic form) a letter, publication, form, notice, or instruction; and (C) does not include a regulation. (3) PLAIN WRITING.—The term ‘‘plain writing’’ means writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience. SEC. 4. RESPONSIBILITIES OF FEDERAL AGENCIES. (a) PREPARATION FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF PLAIN WRITING REQUIREMENTS.— (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the head of each agency shall— (A) designate 1 or more senior officials within the agency to oversee the agency implementation of this Act; Designation. Deadline. 5 USC 301 note. 5 USC 301 note. 5 USC 301 note. Plain Writing Act of 2010. Oct. 13, 2010 [H.R. 946]