Texas Senate Approves DOGE Bill To Simplify Rules

People seated in a large governmental assembly hall

The Texas Senate passed SB14 to create a DOGE office aimed at cutting state regulations, following in the footsteps of Trump’s efficiency initiative at the federal level.

Quick Takes

The Texas Senate approved SB14 to establish the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, inspired by President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency.
The initiative aims to streamline state regulations, eliminate unnecessary rules, and reduce the size of government.
An advisory panel with diverse industry representatives will provide guidance to ensure balanced regulatory reform.
The office will produce biennial reports and maintain a public website to ensure transparency.
The bill now heads to the Texas House of Representatives for consideration.

Following Federal Example

In a move that mirrors President Trump’s federal regulatory reforms, the Texas Senate has approved Senate Bill 14, establishing what will be known as the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office. The bill, dubbed the “DOGE Bill” (Department of Government Efficiency), aims to streamline the state’s regulatory framework by consolidating rules and eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic red tape that has accumulated over decades. This initiative represents a significant step toward fulfilling promises to reduce the size and scope of government in the Lone Star State.

The proposed office draws direct inspiration from the federal model created by President Donald Trump during his administration, applying the same efficiency-focused principles at the state level. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has expressed strong support for the measure, highlighting its potential benefits for both taxpayers and businesses operating within Texas. The bill specifically focuses on reforming how state agencies adopt rules and impose regulatory requirements on citizens and businesses.

Advisory Panel and Transparency Measures

A key component of SB14 is the establishment of a regulatory efficiency advisory panel that will offer crucial perspective and guidance to both the governor’s office and the new Efficiency Office. The advisory panel will include representatives from a diverse range of stakeholders, including regulated businesses, members of the public, occupational license holders, higher education institutions, and state agencies. This diverse membership is designed to ensure that multiple perspectives are considered in the regulatory reform process.

To maintain transparency and accountability, the bill requires the Efficiency Office to submit a comprehensive biennial report to the governor and the Legislative Budget Board. Additionally, the office will develop and maintain an interactive website accessible to the public, providing information about regulatory requirements and the office’s activities. This digital platform will serve as a centralized resource for Texans to understand and navigate the state’s regulatory landscape.

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

Economic Growth Through Regulatory Reform

Proponents of SB14 argue that the bill will significantly boost the Texas economy by cutting through red tape that currently hinders business operations and growth. By reducing regulatory burdens, the initiative aims to create a more business-friendly environment that encourages entrepreneurship and economic expansion, particularly for small businesses that often struggle with complex regulatory compliance. The bill addresses the level of deference given to state agencies’ interpretation of laws and rules in judicial proceedings.

SB14 is categorized under several subject areas including Business & Commerce, Courts, Governor, State Agencies’ Rules, and the Regulatory Reform & Efficiency Act. The comprehensive approach reflects the wide-ranging impact of regulatory reform across various sectors of the state’s economy and government operations. With its passage in the Senate, the bill now moves to the House committee for further consideration before facing a vote in the Texas House of Representatives.

Legislative History and Context

Senate Bill 14 is associated with the 2025-2026 89th Legislature and shares similarities with House Bill 10, which also addresses reform of state agencies’ rule adoption and regulatory procedures. Previous versions of SB14 in past legislative sessions have covered a wide range of issues including public school finance, religious activities in schools, dietitian licensing, gender-related medical procedures for children, COVID-19 vaccine mandates, broadband services, property rights, school management, immigration law enforcement, and voter identification requirements.

The current iteration represents a focused effort to address regulatory efficiency specifically, demonstrating the Texas legislature’s commitment to government reform. If passed by the House and signed into law, the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office would begin its work of identifying redundant, outdated, or unnecessary regulations and recommending their modification or elimination, potentially reshaping the relationship between government agencies and the citizens and businesses they regulate.