The objective of the Task Force on Free Enterprise and Government Regulation is to reduce the burden that government places on the private sector economy by repealing unnecessary regulations and restrictions on the free market. Whether it be state-level regulatory hurdles or deliberately created local obstacles, a plethora of governmental regulations hamper the free market for goods, services, and labor.

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Once again, the Task Force’s Final Report explores occupational licensing reform, which requires the government’s permission to engage in the work of one’s choice, and often has more to do with protecting an industry’s existing workers from competition than it does with ensuring the health and safety of consumers. 

 

The Task Force also explored alcoholic beverage regulations, which in many cases prevents businesses from competing on an even playing field.  

 

Local governments in Texas, in many cases, continue to push the boundaries of limited government. This Task Force once again makes recommendations to protect individual liberty and free enterprise from overbearing local governments. 

 

The Final Report discusses regulations that impact the housing market, such as zoning, property appraisal, fees in construction, and more.  

 

An ongoing topic around the legislature and state government is the state of the Texas Universal Service Fund (TUSF), which provides financial aid to, among others, providers of telecommunications services in rural parts of the state. It is funded by a surcharge on existing phone service bills. The Final Report explores the policy implications of the current state of the TUSF. 

 

Lastly, the Task Force once again recognizes anticompetitive and outdated laws that prevent modern companies from competing with older business models.