Plain Regulations Act of 2012
The Plain Regulations Act would require the government to write new and updated regulations in clear, simple, easy-to-understand language.
Full text of the Plain Regulations Act (H.R. 3786) (pdf)
Bill Summary and Status on Thomas (Library of Congress)
Current Status
- January 18, 2012 – Introduced by Rep. Bruce Braley
- January 18 – To be considered in two committees: House Judiciary Committee and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee
- January 25 – Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, Commercial and Administrative Law
Highlights of the Bill
To ensure clarity of regulations to improve the effectiveness of Federal regulatory programs while decreasing burdens on the regulated public.
The purpose of this Act is to improve the effectiveness and accountability of Federal agencies to the public by promoting clear regulations that are easier for the Government to implement and for the public to comply with.
It defines plain language as:
The term ‘‘plain language’’ means language that is clear, concise, well organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience.
It requires that in preparation for implementation, agencies must:
- Communicate the requirements of the act to employees
- Train employees in plain language
- Establish a process for overseeing compliance
- Designate someone to receive and respond to public input
It requires:
Not later than 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, each agency shall use plain language in accordance with the guidance issued by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget under the Plain Writing Act of 2010 (Public Law 111–274; 5 U.S.C. 301 note) in all new and substantially revised proposed and final regulations issued by the agency.
It establishes requirements for the Office of Management and Budget to
- Create guidance for agencies within 6 months
- Return any regulations not written in plain language for revision
- Establish a process for agencies to certify compliance in annual reports to Congress
Press release from Rep. Braley’s office
[Washington DC, January 18, 2012] Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) introduced a new bill – his first of 2012 – to streamline government regulations in an effort to save small businesses time and money.
The Plain Regulations Act would require the government to write new and updated regulations in clear, simple, easy-to-understand language.
“Whether you like or loathe government regulations, I think everyone can agree that when one exists it should be written as clearly as possible,” Braley said. “Sadly, gobbledygook dominates the regulations issued by government agencies, making it almost impossible for small businesses to understand the rules of the road.
“The Plain Regulations Act would simplify rules, saving small businesses time and freeing up money that can be better used investing in growing the business and creating jobs.”
The costs to small businesses of complying with government regulations are significant. The National Small Business Association has estimated that businesses with less than 20 employees pay an estimated $7,600 per employee to comply with regulations.
“Simplifying regulations won’t eliminate the costs of compliance, but it will reduce them. And it’s an easy way to save small businesses money that can quickly attract bipartisan support.”
Examples of lengthy, overly complex regulations abound. As part of the Affordable Care Act, the Department of Health and Human Services recently published a 189 page rule outlining the requirements for doctors to form Accountable Care Organizations. Doctors have complained that the regulations are too complex and convoluted for them to understand.
Braley is known for his efforts to simplify government writing. In 2007, Braley launched a three-year effort to require the government to write forms and documents like tax returns in easy-to-understand language with the introduction of the Plain Writing Act. The bill was signed into law by President Obama in 2010, and improves the accountability of the federal government by promoting clear communication that the public can understand and use. The law went into effect in July of 2011.
