Stitt issues executive order to reduce excessive regs, launches 'Break the Tape' initiative

GOVERNOR STITT ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER TO REDUCE EXCESSIVE REGULATIONS AND LAUNCHES BREAK THE TAPE INITIATIVE

Oklahoma City, Okla. (Feb. 4, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt has issued an Executive Order to address Oklahoma’s excessive red tape and implement regulation reform.

“Oklahoma’s administrative code is double the size of the state of Kansas and 20 percent more than Missouri and New Mexico,” said Gov. Stitt. “In order for us to become a Top Ten State, we must reduce outdated and burdensome regulations that overshadow our economy, while protecting those regulations necessary to preserve public health, welfare, and safety. Our goal is to reduce red tape by 25% in the next three years, providing relief to Oklahoma’s job creators and farmers and ranchers while also strengthening our recruitment efforts to diversify and grow Oklahoma’s economy.”

Executive Order (EO) 2020-03 directs all state agencies to undertake a comprehensive review of the agency’s administrative rules and regulations to identify costly, ineffective, duplicative and outdated regulations. The Executive Order also calls for all state agencies to remove two regulations for every new one created.

In addition to the Executive Order, Governor Stitt has launched BreakTheTape.ok.gov, a website that gives Oklahomans the ability to be a part of the initiative. The Governor calls on Oklahomans to visit the website and provide feedback on burdensome regulations hindering their ability to work and operate their businesses in the state.