Abbott Approves DOGE-Inspired Reform
2 min read
APRIL 24,2025
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – Texas Governor Greg Abbott has officially signed into law a new bill aimed at cutting red tape and improving government efficiency, establishing the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office. This move mirrors efforts seen in other states following the controversial federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spearheaded by billionaire Elon Musk.
Abbott A Push for Smarter, Leaner Governance in Texas
At a ceremonial signing held at the Texas Capitol, Governor Abbott emphasized the growing burden of state regulations and the need for reform. “The regulatory environment in Texas is getting too burdensome,” Abbott said. “This new law will put a check on the growth of the administrative state and help ensure that government works for the people — not the other way around.”
The bill marks Abbott’s first signed legislation of 2025, a clear indicator of the administration’s prioritization of regulatory reform in Texas. It also sends a message that Texas is committed to streamlining state operations without compromising essential services — a balance that’s sparked intense debate across the country.
What the New Law Does
The new law creates the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, tasked with reviewing, streamlining, and eliminating outdated or excessive regulations. It also limits how courts defer to state agency interpretations during legal disputes, reinforcing a more balanced judicial oversight.
In tandem with this legislation, Texas lawmakers had already formed a DOGE-style legislative committee back in January, primarily to modernize outdated technology in state agencies and conduct performance audits.
Texas now joins over 20 other states that have launched or proposed similar efforts to overhaul how government functions. States like Montana, Oklahoma, Florida, and Louisiana have created DOGE-style offices through executive orders, while others, including Georgia and Arizona, are still debating bills in their legislatures.
Abbott-Critics Call It “Bureaucracy Rebranded”
Not everyone is cheering the move. Leaders of the Texas State Employees Union expressed concern that the new office could add more layers to an already complex system.
“The definition of ‘efficiency’ is being stretched beyond recognition,” said Myko Gedutis, vice president of the union. “This is not about eliminating red tape — it’s just repackaging it.”
Nationwide, the original DOGE initiative has drawn both praise and protest. Critics argue that drastic job cuts and the elimination of certain services under federal DOGE have left communities vulnerable, while supporters claim it’s a necessary step to eliminate wasteful spending.
What’s Next for Texas?
While it’s unclear how the new office will operate day-to-day, its mission is clear: trim unnecessary regulations and boost governmental performance. With rising interest across the U.S. in cost-cutting government initiatives, all eyes will be on Texas to see whether this approach creates meaningful change — or unintended consequences.
Whether you see it as streamlining state government or creating more bureaucracy, one thing is certain: Texas just took a bold step in reshaping how it governs. NOWTREND
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