Plain Language in Regulatory Drafting

Recommendation 2017-3 – Plain Language in Regulatory Drafting identifies tools and techniques agencies have used successfully to write regulatory documents (including rulemaking preambles and guidance documents) using plain language, proposes best practices for agencies in structuring their internal drafting processes, and suggests ways agencies can best use trainings and other informational resources.

Citation: Admin. Conf. of the U.S., Recommendation 2017-3, Plain Language in Regulatory Drafting82 Fed. Reg. 61728 (Dec. 29, 2017).

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Plain Language in Regulatory Drafting

Recommendation number
2017-3
Adoption Date
Committees

For decades, agencies have worked to make regulatory requirements more comprehensible to regulatory stakeholders and the public at large, including by using “plain language” or “plain writing.”[1] Clearly drafting and explaining regulations facilitates the core administrative law goals of public participation, efficient compliance, judicial review, and the p

Project Documents

Name Committee Type Date File
Plain Language in Regulatory Drafting Regulation Recommendation Download Plain Language in Regulatory Drafting
Plain Language in Regulatory Drafting (Proposed Recommendation) Regulation Recommendation Download Plain Language in Regulatory Drafting (Proposed Recommendation)
Plain Language Recommendation - Redlined Regulation Recommendation Download Plain Language Recommendation - Redlined
Comment from Government Member Carol Ann Siciliano Regulation Comment Download Comment from Government Member Carol Ann Siciliano
Plain Language in Regulatory Drafting (Final Report) Regulation Report Download Plain Language in Regulatory Drafting (Final Report)
Plain Language in Regulatory Drafting Proposed Recommendation from Committee Regulation Recommendation Download Plain Language in Regulatory Drafting Proposed Recommendation from Committee
Plain Language in Regulatory Drafting - Draft Recommendation Regulation Recommendation Download Plain Language in Regulatory Drafting - Draft Recommendation
October 4, 2017 Committee on Regulation Meeting Agenda Regulation Agenda Download October 4, 2017 Committee on Regulation Meeting Agenda
Center for Plain Language Comment Comment Download Center for Plain Language Comment
Plain Language in Regulatory Drafting - Draft Report Regulation Report Download Plain Language in Regulatory Drafting - Draft Report
September 13, 2017 Committee on Regulation Meeting Agenda Regulation Agenda Download September 13, 2017 Committee on Regulation Meeting Agenda
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