State agencies amended, repealed over 25% of regulations in last four years

Helena, MT – Governor Greg Gianforte and Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras on Feb 21st, celebrated the progress of the Red Tape Relief Task Force and the work of state agencies to amend or repeal over 25% of state regulations over the last four years.

“Working with the dedicated employees at our state agencies, we got to work to repeal code and regulations that have been on the books for as long as 130 years,” Gov. Gianforte said. “When I took office, I made a commitment to making government more responsive and efficient and we’re getting it done.”

In his first week in office, Gov. Gianforte established the Red Tape Relief Task Force through executive order to conduct a comprehensive, top-to-bottom review of regulations in every state agency.

Led by Lt. Gov. Juras, the task force worked with legislators last session to introduce 188 red tape relief bills, over 170 of which were signed by the governor. The bills sought to amend or reform internal, administrative, and statutory regulations, some of which were established as long ago as 1895.

Taken together, the bills simplify and modernize code, make government more efficient, and create greater opportunity for Montanans. For example, the Department of Environmental Quality streamlined permitting to cut red tape tying up homebuilders and job creators. At the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP), the agency established the ability to fill an electronic tag using the FWP app on a mobile device.

This legislative session, the Gianforte administration is continuing its efforts having introduced nearly 100 red tape relief bills.

“While I am proud of our progress, there is still more work to do to serve Montanans better. I look forward to seeing our bills get across the finish line,” Lt. Gov. Juras said.