HF 4841

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/11/2024 02:16pm

A bill for an act
relating to state government; requiring plain language in written materials for
state-issued professional licensing; requiring a report; proposing coding for new
law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 15.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [15.996] PLAIN LANGUAGE IN LICENSE WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin For purposes of this subdivision, the following terms have
the meanings given:
new text end

new text begin (1) "plain language standards" means the requirements specified in subdivision 2,
paragraph (a), and the requirements of the Plain Writing Act, Public Law 111-274, and
governor's Executive Order 14-07; and
new text end

new text begin (2) "written examination" means the written portion of an examination in English for a
license issued by the state.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Plain language. new text end

new text begin (a) By February 1, 2025, each commissioner must implement
plain language standards for the written portion of a knowledge examination to ensure the
written examination is a fair assessment of the license applicant's knowledge of relevant
subject matter. The new written portion of the knowledge examination, to the extent
practicable, must be organized to serve the reader's needs and written using clear, simplified
language with the following grammatical standards:
new text end

new text begin (1) "you" and other pronouns address the test-taker directly;
new text end

new text begin (2) utilize the active voice;
new text end

new text begin (3) use short, simple sentences and straightforward questions;
new text end

new text begin (4) avoid complex and compound sentence structures;
new text end

new text begin (5) utilize commonly used and familiar words;
new text end

new text begin (6) avoid turning verbs into nouns through nominalization;
new text end

new text begin (7) minimize the use of abbreviations;
new text end

new text begin (8) place words carefully to avoid large gaps between the subject, verb, and object in a
sentence;
new text end

new text begin (9) avoid confusing terms such as "either, or" and "neither, nor";
new text end

new text begin (10) utilize simple verb tenses, including the simple present verb tense where practicable,
to explain confusing or complex concepts;
new text end

new text begin (11) omit double negatives and terms like "except for," "unless," and "indicated
otherwise";
new text end

new text begin (12) avoid hidden terms and use concrete, familiar words to describe confusing or
complex concepts or items;
new text end

new text begin (13) omit excess and unnecessary words;
new text end

new text begin (14) use the word "must" to express requirements;
new text end

new text begin (15) put exceptions at the end of a question;
new text end

new text begin (16) place modifying terms in correct locations; and
new text end

new text begin (17) any other recommended strategies and techniques designed to offer clear
communication to test-takers.
new text end

new text begin (b) Revisions made to the written examination must meet the plain language standards
of this section.
new text end

new text begin (c) A written examination must be reviewed for compliance with the plain language
standards and approved by the revisor of statutes before implementation.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin REPORT; PLAIN LANGUAGE IMPLEMENTATION FOR LICENSING.
new text end

new text begin By February 1, 2026, each commissioner must report to the chairs and ranking minority
members of the committees in the house of representatives and the senate with primary
jurisdiction for state government on the implementation of the plain language requirements
in Minnesota Statutes, section 15.996, for each license type issued by the commissioner.
new text end