DOGE Bill Passed In Texas To Reduce Red Tape

People seated in a large governmental assembly hall

Texas takes a bold step towards cutting red tape with the passage of SB14, creating a new state office designed to streamline regulations and reduce government bureaucracy.

Key Insights

Senate Bill 14 establishes the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, inspired by President Trump’s federal Department of Government Efficiency
The bill aims to streamline state regulations, eliminate redundant rules, and reduce Texas government’s overall footprint
A diverse advisory panel including business representatives, the public, and higher education will guide the new office’s efforts
The initiative promises economic benefits through reduced regulatory burden on Texas businesses and taxpayers

Texas Senate Advances Regulatory Reform

The Texas Senate has passed Senate Bill 14, creating the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office in a move that mirrors President Donald Trump’s federal approach to government streamlining. The legislation, now headed to the House of Representatives, represents a significant shift in how Texas will manage regulatory requirements across state agencies. SB14 focuses on reforming the procedures state agencies use to adopt rules and impose regulatory requirements, while addressing the level of deference given to agencies’ interpretation of laws and rules in judicial proceedings.

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has expressed strong support for the bill, highlighting its potential to save money for both taxpayers and businesses operating in the state. The initiative is designed to identify and eliminate unnecessary regulations that have accumulated over time, with the goal of making the Texas government more efficient and less intrusive in the lives of its citizens. The bill is categorized under several key subjects including Business & Commerce, Courts, Governor, State Agencies’ Rules, and the Regulatory Reform & Efficiency Act.

The Texas Senate passed legislation Wednesday that would essentially create an efficiency office similar to the recently created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). https://t.co/fkbAorfDnT

— Spectrum News 1 Texas (@SpectrumNews1TX) March 27, 2025

Structure and Operations of the New Office

The Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office will operate with a clear mandate to review existing regulations, identify duplicative or burdensome rules, and recommend changes to streamline government operations. A key component of the new structure will be the regulatory efficiency advisory panel, which will provide strategic input to both the governor’s office and the Efficiency Office itself. This panel will include representatives from regulated businesses, the public, occupational license holders, higher education institutions, and state agencies.

To ensure transparency and public engagement, SB14 requires the Efficiency Office to create an interactive website where citizens can easily access regulatory information. This digital portal will serve as a centralized location for Texans to understand the regulatory landscape and track changes. Additionally, the office must submit a comprehensive biennial report to the governor and the Legislative Budget Board, detailing its progress, initiatives, and the impact of regulatory changes on the state economy.

Economic Benefits and Future Impact

Proponents of SB14 emphasize its potential economic benefits for Texas. By cutting red tape and eliminating unnecessary regulatory hurdles, the bill aims to encourage small business growth and economic expansion across the state. The business-friendly approach aligns with Texas’s reputation for maintaining a competitive economic environment while ensuring necessary protections remain in place. The bill represents a systematic approach to reviewing and refining the entire regulatory framework of state government.

SB14 is now proceeding to the House committee for further consideration before facing a vote in the Texas House of Representatives. If passed and implemented as designed, the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office could serve as a model for other states seeking to reduce government bureaucracy while maintaining essential regulatory functions. The bill’s alignment with President Trump’s federal efficiency initiatives demonstrates a coordinated approach to government streamlining at multiple levels.