The Georgia State Senate has approved a sweeping bill aimed at cutting regulatory burdens, promising a major shift in how the state government operates. But while supporters claim it will jumpstart economic growth, critics argue it could do more harm than good.
A Bill Designed to Cut Through Bureaucracy
On Feb. 24, the Georgia State Senate passed the ‘Red Tape Rollback Act of 2025,’ sending it to the House of Representatives for further review. Sponsored by Senator Greg Dolezal, the bill seeks to make government operations more efficient by requiring agencies to review their regulations every four years.
The proposal has been championed by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who has positioned himself as a pro-business leader ahead of a potential gubernatorial bid next year. Jones and Dolezal argue that excessive regulation is stifling Georgia’s economy, particularly small businesses.
“What this bill recognizes is that if left unchecked, rules tend to layer on top of rules on rules. Before you know it, you don’t necessarily know what those rules are,” Dolezal said during the Senate debate.
What the Bill Actually Does
If passed by the House, the bill would require state agencies to:
- Review their rules and regulations every four years.
- Assess the economic impact of their policies on local businesses and the state economy.
- Simplify compliance processes to reduce paperwork burdens.
- Allow local governments to request small business impact analyses on proposed regulations.
Supporters argue these measures will eliminate unnecessary red tape, freeing up businesses to grow and contribute more to the state’s economy.
Economic Promise or Unfunded Mandate?
Proponents see the bill as a necessary step toward regulatory reform, but opponents worry about unintended consequences. Senator Kim Jackson voiced strong concerns during the Senate debate, arguing that requiring agencies to review regulations so frequently could create additional strain without addressing the root problems.
“Our agencies are not crippled by rules; they are crippled by our lack of funding,” Jackson said. “Asking our agencies to add another task, another burden every four years does not help them or our people.”
Some business owners, while welcoming reduced paperwork, also question whether this bill truly addresses their biggest hurdles. A key concern is whether the state will allocate resources to ensure agencies can effectively review regulations without cutting corners.
What’s Next?
The bill is now in the hands of the House of Representatives, where it is expected to spark further debate. If it passes, it could take effect as early as 2026, reshaping how Georgia regulates businesses and state operations.
With Lt. Gov. Burt Jones eyeing a run for governor, this legislation could become a defining issue in the next election cycle. The question remains: Will this bill be the economic boost its supporters promise, or will it add a new layer of bureaucracy under the guise of reform?
