State Agencies Undergo Sunset Review Process, Part II– Texas Department Of Motor Vehicles
In order to identify and eliminate government waste, duplication and general inefficiencies in state agencies, the Texas Legislature established the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission (Commission) in 1977. The Texas Sunset Advisory Commission is a legislative body which is made up of six Texas Senate members and six Texas House of Representative members. The Commission is tasked with reviewing the policies and programs of more than 150 state agencies. The sunset review process is designed to review each of these agencies every twelve years. This review is done by taking up a certain number of the state agencies each session when the Texas Legislature convenes.
In reviewing the various agencies, the Commission examines the continual need for the agency. A review is made of duplication of policies or programs with other agencies. The review also looks at new and innovative ways to improve each agency’s operations and activities. During the sunset review process, the Commission holds public hearings and allows the public to provide their thoughts, ideas and general perception of the agency’s need. After each agency is reviewed, the Commission then recommends actions to the full Texas Legislature. In the coming weeks, I’d like to take some time to highlight a few of the many agencies currently undergoing Sunset Review.
One of the agencies currently in the sunset review process is the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). The TxDMV was established by the Texas Legislature in 2009 with the task to serve, protect and advance the citizens and industries in the state with quality motor vehicle related services. The TxDMV is one of only a handful of state agencies that raises revenue for the state. For every $1 the agency spends, it returns more than $10 in state revenue. These funds are primarily used to build and maintain the state’s roads and bridges.
The TxDMV is overseen by a nine-member, governor-appointed board that is the agency’s policy-making arm. Daily operations are overseen by the agency’s executive director. Each year the agency registers almost 24 million vehicles; regulates vehicle dealers; credentials buses and big trucks for intrastate and interstate commerce; issues oversize and overweight permits; and awards grants to law enforcement agencies to reduce vehicle burglaries and thefts.
One program the TxDMV has implemented is the Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority (ABTPA). This program educates Texans on how to protect themselves from motor vehicle theft and awards financial grants to curtail auto theft and burglary. The division is also involved in a program that helps to prevent stolen motor vehicles from entering Mexico. If you would like to learn more about the TxDMV, you can visit the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
Over the coming weeks, I would like to outline and present to you other state agencies undergoing the sunset review process. If you would like to learn more on your own visit the Sunset Advisory Commission, or other agencies undergoing the sunset review process.
If you have any questions regarding the Texas Historical Commission 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 Aransas, Calhoun, Nueces (Part) and San Patricio Counties. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.
