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AB 2360CALIFORNIASession 20252026

California AB 2360 requires state agencies to use plain language in all documents by 2027

Original title: State agencies: governmental linguistics.

August 13, 2026

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The Frame

What this does

This change aims to improve public access to government information by ensuring that official documents are written in a clear, readable style for all residents, regardless of their technical expertise.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

State agencies

Agencies must update their writing practices, adopt new standards, and appoint senior officials to oversee compliance.

California residents

Residents will receive government communications written in clearer, more accessible language.

What changed

Last recorded activity August 13, 2026.

What's next

Introduced.

Summary

Starting January 1, 2027, all California state agencies must write documents in and designate senior officials to oversee compliance. The bill defines plain language standards and allows agencies to adopt guidelines created by the Office of Data and Innovation.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'plain language' mean under this bill?
The bill mandates that documents be written in a coherent, easily readable style that avoids technical jargon, with specific standards to be identified by the Office of Data and Innovation.
When do these requirements take effect?
The requirements apply to all documents produced by state agencies on or after January 1, 2027.

Why It Matters

This change aims to improve public access to government information by ensuring that official documents are written in a clear, readable style for all residents, regardless of their technical expertise.

News Coverage

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Discoveries

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.

policy shift90% confidence

Standardization of Plain Language

The bill shifts from a general requirement to use plain language to a more structured approach involving specific standards from the Office of Data and Innovation and mandatory oversight appointments.

Connected Entities

organizationState agenciesRequired to implement plain language standards for all documents.Map →
organizationOffice of Data and InnovationAuthorized to create standards for plain language implementation.Map →

Sources

Open source document

openstates.org

Analysis Score

0–100
  • Significance65
    How much this matters to a regular citizen
  • Controversy10
    Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
  • Entertainment5
    Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
  • Buzz20
    Current news / social attention level

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