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The state has many agencies that carry out the daily functions of state
government, such as the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Workforce
Commission. The Sunset Commission provides the legislature with some
oversight of these agencies. The Sunset Commission is comprised of
legislators appointed by the Lt. Governor and the Speaker of the House,
and its goal is to make the government smaller, smarter and more
efficient.
Agencies come up for review before the legislature at least every twelve
years; the reviews are staggered, so that an average of 25 agencies come
up for review in any given session. During the interim, the Sunset
Commission compiles reports on the agencies scheduled to be reviewed in
the upcoming session. The sunset process sets a date for an agency to
be abolished unless legislation is passed allowing the agency=s
continuation. Most agencies are not abolished, but rather undergo
changes to their operations and goals. The Sunset Commission is an
important tool for legislators by enabling them to look in-depth at the
way government agencies are performing and by providing the opportunity
for change.
By ensuring a regular review of agencies, the sunset commission is able
to weed out antiquated and unnecessary agencies and policies. Also,
because the reviews are so extensive, the possibility of a review by the
commission usually spurs the agency to improve its overall performance.
This session there are 27 agencies up for review, including
the Department of Transportation, the Department of Insurance, the
Department of Public Safety, and the Department of Parks and Wildlife.
The Commission has held hearings throughout the interim relating to the
various state agencies, and are now beginning to issue their reports to
the legislature. A complete list of the Sunset Commission=s reports to
the legislature and are available through the Sunset Commission=s
website, www.sunset.state.tx.us . The
public is encouraged to provide input about any problems or
recommendations they may have regarding state agencies. There is a link
through the site for the public to register their opinions directly with
the Sunset Commission staff.
You can contact my office by writing to P.O. Box 2910,
Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by emailing me at
larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us. My district office phone number is
(903) 891-7297.
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