Abbott launches Small Business Freedom Council to review Texas regulations and fees
The governor says the new council will review regulations, fees and other barriers that may slow small business formation and growth in Texas.
The Texas governor’s office said Wednesday that Gov. Greg Abbott has launched a Small Business Freedom Council to review government efficiency for Texas businesses and recommend cuts to unnecessary regulations, fees and rules.
Abbott also sent a letter to heads of Texas state agencies directing them to identify rules, permits, fees and regulations that may hamper small business formation, operation and growth. The governor’s office said the council will review those recommendations and issue a report for further action.
Abbott said in the release that one of his priorities as governor is to empower small business owners and entrepreneurs by giving them the best environment for growth.
According to the governor’s office, the council is chaired by Glenn Hamer, chief executive of the Texas Association of Business, and Jeff Burdett, Texas state director of the National Federation of Independent Business. The office said the Texas agencies’ recommendations are due by Jan. 13, 2025.
The letter also instructs the Office of Small Business Assistance in the Economic Development and Tourism Office to recommend elimination of rules, fees and regulations that create barriers to small business success. The governor’s office said the effort is part of a broader push to reduce government burdens on business.
Abbott said Texas should remain the best place to live, work and start a business, according to the release.
What happens next is a review by the council after agencies submit their recommendations. The governor’s office said the council will then provide a report for further action.
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