State Agencies Undergo Sunset Review Process, Part III– Texas Real Estate Commission
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 Real Estate Commission (TREC). TREC was established by the Texas Legislature in 1949 with the task to safeguard consumers in matters of real property transactions and valuation services. TREC shares staff members and resources with the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB), established as an independent subdivision of TREC in 1991 when federal law required increased regulation of appraisals. Together TREC and TALCB oversee real estate brokerage, real property appraisals, inspections, home warranties, right-of-way services, and timeshare. The agency provides licensing, education, and complaint investigation services, as well as regulation and enforcement of state and federal laws and requirements that govern each of these areas of service to consumers in Texas.
TREC is overseen by a nine-member, governor-appointed board that is the agency’s policy-making arm. The members of this board serve six-year terms. Six members must be licensed real estate brokers. Three members must be members of the general public who are not regulated by the Commission.
One division of TREC is the Administration and Management Services division or AMS. This division directs day to day operations and manages major initiatives of the agency in education, licensing, and industry regulation programs. This division is important in the education process for those who wish to become real estate agents or brokers. If you would like to learn more visit Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).
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.
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 Nueces (Part) County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.