Georgia’s Red Tape Rollback Act: A Push for Government Accountability

In a bold move to enhance government efficiency and accountability, Georgia’s Republican Lieutenant Governor, Burt Jones, has proposed an ambitious initiative reminiscent of the federal government’s Deregulation Strategies through the Trump administration. This initiative, dubbed the Red Tape Rollback Act of 2025, aims to alleviate the regulatory burdens that small businesses face, ultimately driving economic growth within the state.

Small Business Challenges and the Need for Reform

“I own my own business employing thousands of people,” Jones expressed during an interview with Fox News Digital. “I know one of the biggest challenges we encounter as small business owners is navigating the regulatory burdens at local, state, and federal levels.” His firsthand experience informs his policy approach, as he understands the hurdles posed by a complex regulatory framework.

Jones emphasizes that Georgia has been recognized as the No. 1 state for business for 11 consecutive years. He insists that maintaining this status requires a commitment to continuous improvement and efficiency in government operations. “If we want to stay like that, we’re going to have to always be retooling how we do things, improving how we do things, and making government function more like a business,” he remarked.

A Fresh Start for Georgia’s Regulatory Landscape

Though the Red Tape Rollback Act was introduced in the previous legislative session, it did not gain enough traction to pass. However, Jones sees a renewed opportunity following the Trump administration’s DOGE (Deregulatory and Government Efficiency) efforts, which have gained popularity among Republicans and certain Democrats in Washington, D.C.

“That’s the essence behind our Red Tape Rollback,” Jones explained. “It’s our state version of the DOGE initiatives that the Trump administration championed. I’m excited about the direction we’re heading with this plan.”

Key Elements of the Red Tape Rollback Act

In outlining the priorities of his proposed DOGE plan, Jones stressed the importance of conducting a comprehensive “reset” of all regulatory issues across various state agencies. This reset would involve starting from scratch and allowing agencies to identify which regulations are necessary and which should be eliminated.

“Instead of perpetually adding regulations, we’ll begin from zero and have agencies propose what they need,” Jones articulated. He argues that many existing regulations are remnants of decades-old legislative actions, many of which have become outdated or unnecessary. “Just like a reset on a computer game, we want to evaluate what can be discarded—whether it pertains to education, environmental regulations, or transportation,” he stated.

Empowering Small Businesses Through Legislative Oversight

Additionally, the proposed legislation would empower lawmakers to request a “Small Business Impact Analysis” for any pending legislation. This provision is designed to help legislators understand the potential implications of new laws on the state’s vital job creators: small businesses.

Jones also recognizes that while state-level inefficiencies are on a smaller scale compared to the federal government, addressing waste at the state level could ultimately shed light on the overarching waste prevalent in Washington, D.C. He aims to create a culture of accountability within Georgia that prompts deeper scrutiny of federal practices.

Addressing Inefficiencies in Government Operations

“There’s no question D.C. is the elephant in the room that has become bloated through duplicate agencies and overlapping services,” Jones remarked. While state government inefficiencies may not mirror the complexity found in federal operations, there are still significant areas for improvement, such as licensing, permitting processes, and regulatory codes that need to be repealed.

Jones asserted that “all of these issues will be on the table” during the forthcoming discussions around the Red Tape Rollback Act. He believes that tackling these inefficiencies will not only streamline state governance but also foster a more conducive environment for business growth and job creation.

A Vision for the Future

As Georgia continues to strive for its reputation as the best place for business, Jones’ Red Tape Rollback Act could play a pivotal role in shaping a more business-friendly regulatory landscape. He hopes that the influx of efficiency-oriented reforms will not only sustain Georgia’s economic vitality but also encourage federal leaders to reconsider their approaches to regulation and spending.

By closely examining and dismantling outdated regulations, Jones aims to pave the way for innovative growth, allowing small businesses to thrive without the weight of excessive bureaucracy. With the Red Tape Rollback Act, Georgia is poised to take significant steps toward a more efficient government that listens to the needs of its business community.

Conclusion

The Red Tape Rollback Act of 2025 represents a critical juncture in Georgia’s approach to governance. Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones’ commitment to alleviating regulatory burdens indicates a broader movement toward government accountability and efficiency that could set a nationwide precedent. As the proposal navigates the legislative process, the implications for small businesses in Georgia—and potentially beyond—are significant. The true test lies in how effectively these reforms can be implemented and whether they can inspire similar initiatives across the country.