The Kentucky Senate has passed Senate Bill 257 (SB 257), a bill to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of state government. The bill would create a similar office to the federal government's Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE.
Sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, the bill establishes the Kentucky Office of Government Efficiency within the Office of the Auditor of Public Accounts, providing the auditor with expanded authority to identify and eliminate wasteful spending.
State Auditor of Public Accounts Allison Ball testified during a committee meeting earlier this week in strong support of SB 257 and underscored the bill’s importance in ensuring responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
“This legislation strengthens our ability to hold state agencies accountable and implement meaningful reforms to improve efficiency,” Ball said. “Kentuckians deserve a government that operates responsibly, and SB 257 furthers that goal.”
Tichenor emphasized the nonpartisan nature of the bill and the General Assembly’s responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars. “Regardless of party, we all share a duty to ensure that the government is operating as efficiently as possible,” said Tichenor. “This legislation is about delivering results for Kentuckians and making certain that every dollar is spent wisely.”
Under SB 257, the auditor of public accounts will conduct performance audits and operational reviews of state agencies, develop best practices for improving efficiency, and oversee the implementation of recommended reforms.
The passage of SB 257 marks a major step forward in promoting transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility in Kentucky’s state government. The bill now moves to the House for further consideration.
