Clear and Concise Content Act of 2023
If enacted, SB717 will require federal agencies to adopt plain writing practices in their communications, affecting all publicly available content. This includes a variety of documents such as forms, notices, guidance, and website content. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget will oversee compliance and establish metrics for assessing the agencies' success in implementing these plain writing standards. Reports on compliance and agency performance will be required, fostering a structured approach towards enhancing public engagement with government services.
SB717, known as the Clear and Concise Content Act of 2023, aims to enhance the clarity and accessibility of government communications by mandating federal agencies to use plain writing in all 'covered content.' This encompasses information necessary for obtaining government services and understanding agency operations. The bill seeks to implement processes that ensure content is drafted in an easily understandable manner, thereby improving public interaction and compliance with government requirements. This initiative is expected to foster better communication between the government and the citizens whom it serves, ultimately promoting transparency.
Reactions to SB717 have generally been positive, particularly among proponents who advocate for clearer government communications. Supporters argue that the bill will significantly benefit citizens by making vital information more accessible. Conversely, some critics express concerns regarding the practicality and effectiveness of enforcing plain writing across diverse agencies and the potential for bureaucratic resistance to such changes. The sentiment reflects a mix of optimism about improved communication and skepticism about implementation challenges.
Notable points of contention include the consideration of how 'plain writing' will be defined and enforced. The bill permits no judiciary oversight of its provisions, which raises concerns among some stakeholders about accountability. Critics worry that the absence of a way for individuals to contest non-compliance could undermine the bill's effectiveness, limiting its impact on genuinely improving public access to information. This debate highlights a tension between the goals of transparency and effective oversight within federal operations.