Georgia’s regulatory code has grown steadily since the Secretary of State’s office began tracking rules and regulations in 1965.

Most of Georgia’s regulations actually come from unelected state employees working in the many agencies that make up Georgia’s executive branch. Regulations are enacted for several reasons, but it is often unclear whether they practically achieve their policy goals or generate benefits worth the costs they impose.

Worse yet, without being subject to periodic review, regulations tend to build up unchecked over time, which has negative impacts on industry and economic growth in the jurisdictions they impact. In particular, small businesses experience negative results. Small business owners, without teams of lawyers, CPAs and lobbyists, frequently find themselves alone to navigate an outdated and confusing regulatory environment. This creates economic strain and distorts the decision-making process.