Plain language equity standard

All state departments should:

• Provide information to the public at an 8th grade reading level or lower
• Use smaller, more common words
• Avoid jargon and technical terms as much as possible
• Keep sentences short and simple

This standard applies to print and digital information.

Key considerations

It can be a challenge to balance plain language and accuracy. Achieve the lowest reading level you can.

Write for your audience. Using technical terms might be appropriate if you're writing for a specialized audience. Examples include attorneys, scientists, or engineers.

Cite laws, code, or regulations as written. Summarize this information whenever possible to help people understand it.

Definitions

• Code: The text of laws, as found at California Legislative Information
• Department: A department, commission, office, or other administrative agency of state government
• Jargon: Words used by specialists that are not used or understood by the average person

Where to start

• Begin with documents you are already working on.
• Focus on documents that have the highest impact on outcomes for Californians like:
  • Applications
  • Appeals
• When addressing language access issues, start by writing in plain language in English.