SEC. 2. PURPOSE.

Question

The purpose of this Act is to improve the effectiveness and accountability of Federal agencies to the public by promoting clear Government communication that the public can understand and use.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:

AGENCY.—The term “agency” means an Executive agency, as defined under section 105 of title 5, United States Code.
COVERED DOCUMENT.—The term “covered document”
means any document that
is necessary for obtaining any Federal Government benefit or service or filing taxes;
provides information about any Federal Government benefit or service; or
explains to the public how to comply with a requirement the Federal Government administers or enforces;
includes (whether in paper or electronic form) a letter, publication, form, notice, or instruction; and
does not include a regulation.
PLAIN WRITING.—The term “plain writing” means writing that is clear, concise and well-organized, and that follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience.
SEC. 4. RESPONSIBILITIES OF FEDERAL AGENCIES.

PREPARATION FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF PLAIN WRITING REQUIREMENTS.—
IN GENERAL.—Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the head of each agency shall—
designate one or more senior officials within the agency to oversee the agency implementation of this Act;
communicate the requirements of this Act to the employees of the agency;
train employees of the agency in plain writing;
establish a process for overseeing the ongoing compliance of the agency with the requirements of this Act;
create and maintain a plain-writing section of the agency’s website as required under paragraph (2) that is accessible from the home page of the agency’s website; and
designate 1 or more agency points of contact to receive and respond to public input on implementation and reports required under section 5.
WEBSITE.—The plain-writing section described under paragraph (1)(E) shall—
inform the public of agency compliance with the requirements of this Act; and
provide a mechanism for the agency to receive and respond to public input on implementation and reports required under section 5.
REQUIREMENT TO USE PLAIN WRITING IN NEW DOCUMENTS.—Beginning not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, each agency shall use plain writing in every covered document of the agency that the agency issues or substantially revises.
GUIDANCE.—
IN GENERAL.—Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall develop and issue guidance on implementing the requirements of this section. The Director may designate a lead agency and may use interagency working groups to assist in developing and issuing the guidance.
INTERIM GUIDANCE.—Before the issuance of guidance under paragraph (1), agencies may follow the guidance of the writing guidelines developed by the Plain Language Action and Information Network or guidance provided by the head of the agency that is consistent with those guidelines.
Question
You work in the editorial department of the National Park Service (NPS). Based on the document shown, which new NPS document must be written in plain language?

A.A guide to fishing in national parks and wildlife refuges
B.A law to authorize the renaming of a national park
C.A report to Congress analyzing national park maintenance needs
D.The National Park Service Ranger Employee Manual
E.The regulations for law enforcement contracts at national parks

Answer 1

Based on the definitions provided in the document, "covered document" refers specifically to any document that is necessary for obtaining federal government benefits or services, provides information about such benefits or services, or explains how to comply with federal requirements, among other criteria.

Given this understanding:

• A. A guide to fishing in national parks and wildlife refuges would likely qualify as it provides information about a federal government service (recreational activities).
• B. A law to authorize the renaming of a national park is not a covered document, as it does not fall under the defined categories.
• C. A report to Congress analyzing national park maintenance needs is primarily an internal report for legislative purposes and would not be directly categorized as a covered document.
• D. The National Park Service Ranger Employee Manual is an internal document and does not fall under the definitions provided.
• E. The regulations for law enforcement contracts at national parks would likely be regulatory in nature and falls outside the definition of a covered document.

Based on these analyses, the correct answer is:

A. A guide to fishing in national parks and wildlife refuges.