Who Reports on the Reporters?

The state of Texas just spent 18-months to publish a 668-page report finding—wait for it—that the state of Texas issues too many reports.

In the past, the state regularly compiled a list of about 400 reports that agencies were required by the Legislature to produce. But the commission found more than 1,600, and state records administrator Michael Heskett is pretty sure his team hasn't found them all.

Heskett's initial findings indicate more than 400 report requirements are obsolete, duplicative or not needed as frequently as currently required.

"At first, we were overwhelmed by the sheer number of reporting requirements," Heskett said. "We haven't begun our evaluation yet. But I think we can reach our goal of eliminating the deadwood without compromising the need for accountability in our state agencies."

In true public choice fashion, the report reporters also make a case for their job security, arguing that so long as there are too many reports in Texas, there will be a need for someone to issue a report on the matter.

As for the commission's massive report on reports, Heskett predicts it won't go away.

"For the report to be effective, it must be ongoing," he said.

Via Fark.