Hesse’s Anti-Bureaucracy Model Inspires U.S. Federal Reforms
Hesse has been cutting red tape for over a year, and its approach is now shaping national policy. The state’s Bureaucracy Hotline has gathered over 1,200 reports, pinpointing unnecessary paperwork and delays. Now, the federal government has launched its own portal, modeled on Hesse’s system, to tackle similar issues across the United States.
The move follows Hesse’s First Bureaucracy Reduction Act, which replaced written forms with digital submissions and scrapped outdated certification rules. Minister Manfred Pentz, who leads the state’s efforts, has welcomed the federal initiative as proof that Hesse’s methods work.
Hesse’s push to simplify bureaucracy began with its own hotline, set up 18 months ago. Since then, 1,232 submissions have exposed common problems: centralised authorities, repeated data requests, missing digital tools, and overly complex procedures. These reports helped shape the state’s First Bureaucracy Reduction Act, which now allows text-based submissions instead of paper forms and removes unnecessary certification steps.
The federal government’s new EinfachMachen-Portal mirrors Hesse’s system, aiming to collect feedback and turn it into action. Pentz expects the national portal to analyse reports thoroughly and ensure they lead to real changes. He also wants clearer coordination between federal and state hotlines to avoid confusion over who handles which issues.
By early 2026, Hesse plans to simplify or scrap 90 regulations. Key changes include accepting digital copies for exams and professional approvals, as well as allowing email submissions for official processes. Pentz insists these steps will make life easier for businesses and citizens alike, cutting delays and unnecessary paperwork.
The federal portal’s launch marks a shift toward streamlined administration, built on Hesse’s proven model. With 90 regulations set for reform in the state, officials will track whether digital submissions and simplified rules deliver faster, more efficient services. The success of these changes will depend on how well feedback is turned into concrete improvements.
