Overview Of The Texas Sunset Review Process
The 84th Texas Legislative Session came to a close last year. However, the interim period remains busy as members of the Texas House and Senate carry out their duties. Previously, I have shared the important role interim committee studies play in shaping future legislation. Today, I would like to share information about another key interim activity, the Sunset review process. In addition to describing how this process works, I would like to share with you information about some of the agencies currently scheduled for review.
Established by the Texas Legislature in 1977, the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission’s review process is an important oversight tool used to identify the efficiency, effectiveness and necessity of our state’s governmental agencies. According to the Sunset Advisory Commission, there are about 130 state agencies and programs subject to Sunset review. Each state agency generally undergoes a comprehensive review process every 12 years and, on average, 20-30 agencies are evaluated each legislative session. Over the course of two years, the Sunset Advisory Commission performs an extensive evaluation of the set of agencies scheduled for review during the upcoming legislative session. The Commission reports that since its formation, there have been 37 state agencies or programs that have been abolished, or ‘sunset’, and an additional 46 state agencies or programs consolidated.
The Sunset Advisory Commission membership is appointed by the Lt. Governor of the Texas Senate and Speaker of the Texas House and includes five Texas State Senators, five Texas State Representatives, and two members of the public. The members of the Commission work closely with Sunset staff to identify whether or not a certain agency should continue to exist, and if so, what improvements should be made for the agency to best meet the needs of Texans.
The process begins as Sunset staff performs a comprehensive evaluation and analysis of each agency under review. Using information and research collected from a variety of different sources, including the individual agencies and confidential public input, the Sunset staff publishes a report of its findings that includes recommended changes. The Sunset Advisory Commission then holds public hearings based on the findings of this report. During these hearings, the Commission is given the opportunity to ask questions of staff regarding the report’s findings in a public forum as well as to hear testimony from the various agencies under review. Another essential component of these hearings is the ability to hear from stakeholders and members of the public regarding their concerns and recommendations. Based on a combination of information gathered during these hearings and the Sunset staff report’s findings, the Sunset Advisory Committee then decides which of the suggested proposals or changes should be included in future legislation regarding the reviewed agency’s continuation.
Currently, there are 24 state agencies scheduled to be evaluated during the 85th Texas Legislative Session commencing in January 2017. These agencies range in size and function. Likewise, the number of recommended changes proposed by the Sunset Advisory Commission also can vary greatly from agency to agency. Some of the proposals for larger agencies under Sunset review, such as the Texas Department of Transportation and the Railroad Commission of Texas, may be complex and will likely generate greater discussion than a smaller board or agency with less regulatory authority. In the coming weeks, I plan to continue this discussion by giving deeper insight into the specific agencies under review.
To learn more about the Sunset Advisory Commission, please visit the Sunset Advisory Commission. Here you can also find more information about the Sunset process as well as the agencies currently under review. For those seeking to become involved in the Sunset process, you can find information about submitting public input at How to Participate.
If you have any questions regarding the Texas Legislature or the Sunset review process, please don’t hesitate to contact either my Capitol or District office. My offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Nueces (Part) County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.
