Georgia's Lieutenant Governor, Burt Jones, is spearheading an initiative to streamline government regulations and enhance efficiency, drawing inspiration from the federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In an interview with Fox News Digital, Jones highlighted the burden of regulations on small businesses, a key driver behind his "Red Tape Rollback Act of 2025."

Jones emphasized Georgia's consistent ranking as a top state for business, attributing this success to ongoing efforts to refine government operations. He believes the Red Tape Rollback Act, mirroring the federal DOGE initiative championed by the Trump administration, is crucial for maintaining this competitive edge. The Act aims to modernize government processes and reduce unnecessary bureaucracy.

Although introduced last year, the Red Tape Rollback Act did not advance through the Georgia Legislature. However, Jones sees renewed potential due to the rising prominence of the DOGE concept, which has gained bipartisan support. He expressed enthusiasm for the Trump administration's early DOGE efforts.

A core component of Jones's plan involves a comprehensive review of all state agency regulations. Rather than continuously adding regulations, the Act proposes a "reset," requiring agencies to justify existing and proposed regulations, eliminating unnecessary ones. This approach aims to simplify regulatory landscapes across various sectors, including education, environment, and transportation.

The Act also mandates a "Small Business Impact Analysis" for pending legislation, allowing lawmakers to assess potential effects on Georgia's job creators. While acknowledging that statewide spending waste is less extensive than at the federal level, Jones hopes his initiative will highlight areas for improvement at both levels. He noted the significant potential for streamlining and cost reduction within the federal government, addressing duplicative agencies and services.

Jones believes addressing inefficiencies in licensing, permitting, and regulatory codes is crucial for optimizing government operations at the state level. He aims to create a more efficient and business-friendly environment in Georgia.