InfoGuides: Plain Language: The Standard in Oregon

What is the Plain Language Standard?

Oregon law requires all state agencies to prepare public communications in language that is as clear and simple as possible (ORS 183.750). This includes publications, forms and instructions, licenses, agency notices, and administrative rules. HB 2702 specifies an additional standard for written documents. A document meets the plain language standard if it, whenever possible:

Uses everyday words that convey meanings clearly and directly
Uses the present tense and the active voice
Uses short, simple sentences
Defines only those words that cannot be properly explained or qualified in the text
Uses type of a readable size
Uses layout and spacing that separate the paragraphs and sections of the document from each other
- Second Report to the Legislative Assembly on Implementation of House Bill 2702, Plain Language Standard, (1/1/09)
- Status Report on Implementation of HB 2702 (2/1/08)
- Preliminary Plan for Implementing Plain Language
- HB 2702
- ORS 183.750

Oregon Department of Administrative Services: Plain language: It's the law, and a good idea

Plain Language Plus: Writing for Easy Reading
DAS Training presentation.
Plain Language Plus: ParticipantPacket
DAS Training handout.

Plain Language

What is the Plain Language Standard?

Oregon Department of Administrative Services: Plain la​nguage: It's the law, and a good idea

Oregon Department of Administrative Services: Plain language: It's the law, and a good idea