Washington Senate Bill SB6268

Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/24
• Refer: 1/17/24

Caption

Establishing a minimum font size for state agency communications to the public.

Impact

If enacted, SB6268 would impact state laws by mandating that all state agencies adhere to the specified minimum font size in their public communications. This change could require agencies to revise existing documents, forms, and digital content to comply with the new standards. The push for increased accessibility through uniform font size is seen as a significant step towards making government communications more user-friendly, particularly for individuals with visual impairments or those who struggle with reading smaller text.

Summary

SB6268 aims to establish a minimum font size requirement for communications made by state agencies to the public. The intention behind this bill is to enhance readability and accessibility of public documents, making it easier for citizens to understand essential information provided by government entities. Advocates of the bill argue that clarity in public communications is crucial for fostering transparency and ensuring that all members of the public can engage with governmental processes effectively.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from various accessibility advocates, there may be contention regarding how such requirements could impose additional operational burdens on state agencies. Concerns have been raised about the costs associated with redesigning documents and training staff to comply with the new standards. Opponents may argue that the focus on font size does not address broader issues of accessibility and that resources could be better allocated toward comprehensive solutions that tackle multiple barriers faced by the public in accessing state communications.