Hesse slashes bureaucracy with landmark reform to speed up daily life
Hesse has launched a major push to cut red tape with its First Bureaucracy Reduction Act now in force. The new law introduces over 120 measures to simplify processes for citizens, businesses and local authorities. Officials describe it as a shift from distrust to trust in administrative dealings.
The reform package targets 90 different laws to remove unnecessary paperwork. One key change is the amendment to the Hessian Administrative Procedure Act, which makes 'text form' the standard for hundreds of procedures. This allows digital submissions instead of physical documents.
A revised grant law now makes funding easier for associations and volunteer groups. Simplified procurement rules and expenditure reports speed up access to financial support. In the care sector, redundant reporting requirements have been scrapped, giving staff more time for direct patient work. The new Hessian Building Code, effective since autumn 2025, accelerates construction processes. Many residential projects no longer require permits, reducing delays. The upcoming Municipal Flexibility Act will give towns and cities greater autonomy through the Standard Exemption Law, letting them test innovative solutions as 'real-world labs'. Personal responsibility is now central to many procedures. Around 70 laws no longer demand original documents or certified copies. The state government is already planning a Second Bureaucracy Reduction Act, with priorities including modernising administrative processes and adjusting legal thresholds. Bureaucracy Reduction Minister Manfred Pentz has outlined further steps for 2026. His roadmap aims to maintain the current momentum of reform across Hesse.
The First Bureaucracy Reduction Act brings immediate changes to daily administrative tasks. Digital submissions, faster construction permits and streamlined funding processes are now in place. The state government continues working on additional reforms to further reduce bureaucratic obstacles in coming years.
