Texas SB14 proposes the establishment of an efficiency office aimed at streamlining state regulations, eliminating unnecessary rules, and enhancing public access to regulatory information.
AUSTIN, Texas — On Wednesday, the Texas Senate approved a bill that would establish an efficiency office akin to the federal government’s Department of Government Efficiency, launched by President Donald Trump earlier this year.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick hailed the “bipartisan passage” of Senate Bill 14.
“The Texas economy stands as a model for America and the globe. Texans realize that reducing red tape allows taxpayers to keep more money. When Texans save, it stimulates the private sector, fosters new small businesses, creates jobs, and drives economic growth,” Patrick stated.
Essentially, SB 14 seeks to enhance and streamline the creation and enforcement of regulations by state agencies in Texas. It will lead to the formation of the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office.
“I made SB 14 a priority because President Trump’s establishment of the ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ motivated me to explore how Texas can help taxpayers and businesses save money by eliminating burdensome regulations,” Patrick’s statement noted.
The bill, introduced by Sen. Phil King, aims to create the office within the governor’s office along with an advisory panel responsible for overseeing the reforms, should it be enacted into law.
SB 14 is now progressing to a House committee before being potentially voted on by the Texas House of Representatives. If it passes, it would be forwarded to Gov. Greg Abbott for his approval.
Here’s a summary of the main features:
- Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office: This office will be formed within the governor’s office, tasked with identifying and implementing efficiencies in the rule-making process, aiding agencies in recognizing unnecessary regulations, and collaborating with other state bodies to enhance public access to regulatory information.
- Regulatory reduction targets: The bill establishes goals for state agencies to minimize the number of regulations and other requirements, including the removal of unnecessary rules, reducing training hours, simplifying forms, lessening fees, and creating waivers or exemptions.
- Regulatory efficiency advisory panel: This panel will advise both the governor’s office and the new Efficiency Office, comprising representatives from regulated businesses (both large and small), the public, occupational license holders, higher education institutions, and state agencies, utilizing their expertise to identify and enhance opportunities for regulatory efficiency.
- Regulatory manuals and guides: The Efficiency Office will be required to create a regulatory economic analysis manual and a regulatory reduction guide to support agencies in their efforts.
- Enhanced public access: The bill mandates coordination efforts to establish an interactive website enabling users to search for state agency regulations and relevant information by topic, activity, or NAICS code.
- Reporting requirements: The Efficiency Office will need to submit a biannual report to the governor and the Legislative Budget Board, outlining its activities, findings, and recommendations.
