Texas is on the brink of a major regulatory transformation, with House Bill 10 (HB 10) and House Bill 11 (HB 11) set to streamline government efficiency and propel economic growth. Spearheaded by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (R-Southlake) and Rep. Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont), these forward-thinking legislative proposals aim to cut red tape, enhance transparency, and ensure that Texas remains the nation’s top destination for business and opportunity.

HB 10: Enhancing Efficiency and Transparency in Texas’ Regulatory Framework

Texas, known for its business-friendly climate, surprisingly ranks as the fifth-most regulated state in the U.S. HB 10 is designed to overhaul this system, fostering a more efficient and transparent regulatory process that stimulates business growth and innovation.

🏛️ Key provisions of HB 10 include:
✅ Creation of a Regulatory Efficiency Office within the Governor’s Office to help agencies modernize and simplify regulations.
✅ Development of a user-friendly online portal where entrepreneurs and business owners can access a comprehensive list of all regulations affecting their industry.
✅ Mandating plain-language rules and regulations, ensuring they are clear and easily understood.
✅ Requiring greater transparency in the rule-making process, including mandatory public input and cost-benefit analyses.
✅ Allowing courts to review regulations without automatically deferring to agency interpretations, ensuring fairness and accountability.

According to a Mercatus Center study, even a 10% reduction in state regulations could boost Texas’ economy by $52 billion by 2037, while a 40% reduction could generate over $500 billion in economic growth.

💬 “Texas needs a smarter, more effective regulatory framework,” said Rep. Capriglione, Chair of the House Committee on Delivery of Government Efficiency. “HB 10 is a game-changer, ensuring state agencies regularly evaluate, streamline, and improve their regulations while keeping Texans informed.”

HB 11: Making It Easier for Professionals to Work in Texas

Texas has long been a magnet for skilled professionals, yet its burdensome occupational licensing system has often slowed their ability to work in the state. Currently, Texas has 858 different occupational licenses, often requiring applicants to pay excessive fees and undergo redundant training—even if they were already certified in another state.

👩‍⚕️ HB 11 aims to change that by:
✔️ Increasing occupational licensing reciprocity agreements with other states, allowing licensed professionals to transition seamlessly into Texas’ workforce.
✔️ Mandating reports from licensing agencies on their efforts to reduce unnecessary requirements and expand reciprocity agreements.

💬 “More people move to Texas each year than any other state, and many are highly skilled professionals,” said Rep. Dade Phelan, Chair of the House Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures. “HB 11 will help these individuals quickly integrate into our economy, creating businesses, jobs, and new opportunities for all Texans.”

Broad Support for HB 10 and HB 11

The Coalition for Regulatory Efficiency and Reform (CRER), a network of industry leaders and policy experts advocating for pro-growth policies, has strongly endorsed both bills. CRER emphasizes that modernizing Texas’ regulatory system will enhance economic competitiveness, increase job creation, and drive long-term prosperity.

Even former Chief Justice Jeff Rose of the Texas Third District Court of Appeals, a longtime advocate for regulatory reform, has praised the proposed legislation:

💬 “Texas’ success is built on a strong economy and pro-business policies. However, outdated and excessive regulations pose serious risks. HB 10 and HB 11 introduce common-sense reforms that will benefit businesses, workers, and families alike—stimulating billions in growth and reinforcing Texas’ status as a global leader.”

Looking Ahead

With growing bipartisan support and mounting evidence of the economic benefits, HB 10 and HB 11 represent a crucial step toward a more efficient, transparent, and business-friendly Texas. As these bills move through the legislative process, Texans have much to look forward to—a state where businesses thrive, professionals excel, and opportunities abound.

🚀 What’s next for Texas’ economy? Stay tuned as the future unfolds!

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