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:
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For purposes of this subdivision, the following terms have
the meanings given:
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(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
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(2) "written examination" means the written portion of an examination in English for a
license issued by the state.
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(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:
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(1) "you" and other pronouns address the test-taker directly;
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(2) utilize the active voice;
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(3) use short, simple sentences and straightforward questions;
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(4) avoid complex and compound sentence structures;
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(5) utilize commonly used and familiar words;
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(6) avoid turning verbs into nouns through nominalization;
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(7) minimize the use of abbreviations;
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(8) place words carefully to avoid large gaps between the subject, verb, and object in a
sentence;
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(9) avoid confusing terms such as "either, or" and "neither, nor";
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(10) utilize simple verb tenses, including the simple present verb tense where practicable,
to explain confusing or complex concepts;
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(11) omit double negatives and terms like "except for," "unless," and "indicated
otherwise";
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(12) avoid hidden terms and use concrete, familiar words to describe confusing or
complex concepts or items;
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(13) omit excess and unnecessary words;
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(14) use the word "must" to express requirements;
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(15) put exceptions at the end of a question;
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(16) place modifying terms in correct locations; and
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(17) any other recommended strategies and techniques designed to offer clear
communication to test-takers.
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(b) Revisions made to the written examination must meet the plain language standards
of this section.
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(c) A written examination must be reviewed for compliance with the plain language
standards and approved by the revisor of statutes before implementation.
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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.
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