Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to improve the accessibility and fairness of state-issued professional licensing examinations by requiring the use of plain language in written materials. It intends to ensure that these exams are clear and easy to understand, making the licensing process fairer for all applicants.

Main Provisions

• Plain Language Standards: By February 1, 2026, all commissioners are mandated to implement plain language standards for the written portion of knowledge examinations required for licensing. These standards include:

  • Using direct pronouns and active voice.
  • Constructing short, simple sentences.
  • Avoiding complex sentence structures and unnecessary jargon.
  • Limiting the use of abbreviations and double negatives.
  • Using clear, common language to describe complex concepts.

• Review Process: Any revisions to written examinations must align with these plain language standards. Additionally, before implementation, exams must be reviewed and approved by the revisor of statutes to ensure compliance.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Current practices for drafting written examinations will be overhauled to comply with specific plain language guidelines, fundamentally changing how state licensing exams are written and assessed.

• The bill introduces a requirement for a formal report on the implementation of plain language standards. By February 1, 2027, commissioners must report to legislative committees on the progress and compliance with these standards for each license type.

Relevant Terms

plain language, professional licensing, written examinations, active voice, sentence structure, common language, compliance, implementation report