by Dave Williams | Capitol Beat News Service
ATLANTA – Lt. Gov. Burt Jones announced a new round of legislation Friday aimed at helping small businesses by reducing government regulation.
The Red Tape Rollback Act of 2025 is a follow-up to legislation the General Assembly passed last year. The 2024 bills included three measures easing license requirements for veterinarians, hair stylists and qualified veterans seeking certification as a nurse aide, paramedic, cardiac technician, emergency medical technician, or licensed practical nurse.
Another 2024 bill in Jones’ package eliminated state boards and commissions that are inactive.
Most of the 2024 measures received overwhelming support from minority Democrats as well as the General Assembly’s Republican majorities.
Bills that will be introduced into the state Senate this year, where Jones serves as the presiding officer, would require all state agencies to complete a thorough review of all agency rules and regulations every four years, require agencies to consider the economic impact of all proposed rules, and allow legislators to request an economic impact analysis of any legislation affecting small businesses.
“Last year, we made positive changes to combat burdensome and costly regulations on behalf of workers and business owners all over Georgia,” Jones said Friday. “As a business owner, continuing our efforts to promote deregulation and free our businesses from harmful government red tape will continue to be a priority.”
Hunter Loggins, state director for the National Federation of Independent Business, said his organization will push for passage of Jones’ 2025 package.
“Main Street businesses are under tremendous economic pressure right now,” Loggins said. “Inflation continues to drive up the cost of doing business, and employers are still struggling to fill vacant positions. The Red Tape Rollback Act of 2025 would bring even more common-sense reforms to state government and make it easier for our members to own, operate, and grow their businesses.”
