If passed, this legislation would amend Chapter 7D of the General Laws by giving the chief digital officer the responsibility to oversee the improvement of web services. Agencies would be required to adhere to the new standards of language simplification, ensuring that public information is accessible to a wider audience. The bill is significant in that it could change how state agencies communicate with citizens, potentially reducing confusion and increasing engagement with public services.
Summary
House Bill 3781 focuses on enhancing the clarity and accessibility of information provided by state agencies in Massachusetts. The bill mandates that all web content generated by these agencies must be written in simple and clear language, tailored to the average reading comprehension level of the residents. This requirement aims to foster better public understanding of governmental information and processes, which is crucial for facilitating citizen engagement and improving overall transparency in state functions.
Contention
While the bill's objectives are broadly focused on making governmental communication more straightforward, potential areas of contention may arise regarding the practicality of implementation. Concerns could be raised about the resources required for agencies to revise existing materials and about how compliance will be monitored. There may also be debates about what constitutes 'plain and simple language' and the parameters for measuring reading comprehension levels among the diverse population of the Commonwealth.
Relative to the retirement benefits of certain employees of the Department of Transitional Assistance and the Department of Housing and Community Development
Relative to the retirement benefits of certain employees of the Department of Transitional Assistance and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities