Georgia Republican lawmakers pushing for DOGE-like legislation
Two legislative proposals dealing with school zone speed cameras – one reforming them, one barring them – both died at the Georgia capitol earlier this year. (FOX 5)
ATLANTA - Georgia lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 28 (SB28), a proposal that would require state agencies to review their rules and regulations every four years to identify cost-cutting opportunities.
The bill would also allow state leaders to request reports on how proposed laws could impact small businesses and require agencies to assess the economic effects of new regulations.
What we know:
The bill's primary sponsor, Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega), said he wants to replicate the federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the state level, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who is expected to run for governor next year, is also backing the legislation.
DOGE was created by President Donald Trump on Jan. 20 with a stated mission to cut federal spending. Led by billionaire Elon Musk, the task force has claimed to save over $1 billion by eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) contracts, among other cost-cutting measures.
RELATED: Rep. Greene's DOGE subcommittee to tackle government waste in first hearing
The other side:
While DOGE has been praised for its aggressive cost-cutting efforts, it has also faced significant backlash. Since launching on Jan. 20, the initiative has been the subject of multiple lawsuits and has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers and consumer advocates.
RELATED: 19 states sue to stop DOGE from accessing Americans’ personal data
At least two Democratic lawmakers in Georgia have indicated they would like to hear more from Lt. Gov. Jones about his plan to cut government spending and making the state more efficient before taking a stance on the bill.
What's next:
If SB28 passes, Georgia agencies would undergo their first regulatory review under the new system within four years.