The Texas Sunset Act is a law passed by the Texas Legislature in 1977 that requires each of the state’s government agencies, boards, and commissions to periodically obtain legislative review and authorization in order to continue their existence.
The purpose of the Sunset Act is to constantly monitor the effectiveness of state agencies and to enable changes in order to streamline government operations.
The Sunset Review Process, which is conducted by the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission (Sunset Commission), is based on comprehensive evaluation of each state agency. It involves research, review and analysis of an agency’s entire operation including its performance, cost-effectiveness, fees, appointment procedures and other factors.
Once the Sunset Review is conducted, the Commission issues a report making recommendations for either the continuance, abolition, or reorganization of the agency. That report is presented to the legislature for action.
If a continuing agency is found to be ineffective or in need of some type of reform, the Commission will recommend changes to the legislature which can then be made into state law.
The Sunset Act has been extremely successful in its mission and has resulted in significant improvements in government operations in Texas. It has reduced the number of state entities from 73 in 1977 to only 27 today.
Additionally, the Act also resulted in the production of more than $2 billion in savings in 2013 alone.
What is the Sunset review in Texas?
The Sunset review process in Texas is the review and evaluation of the policy and procedures of Texas State Agencies by the Sunset Advisory Commission. This review and evaluation process is done to ensure that the policies and procedures of the State Agencies remain updated and accurate.
The process begins with the adoption of a 12-month Sunset Review report by the Legislative Budget Board(LBB) and a recommendation for either continued operation, abolishment, or continuation of the agency, to the Legislative Budget Board(LBB).
The Process begins with the identification of a State Agency for review and a Sunset Advisory Commission is established to conduct the review and evaluation. The Commissioners chosen have expertise in the particular type of agency that they are also in and they review all aspects of the State Agency and their policies and procedure.
The background report is developed which includes all data, research, and review of public testimony that was collected by the Sunset Advisory Commission about the State Agency.
The background report is then released for the public to review and comment on the proposed changes, recommendations, or possible abolishment of the agency and law. The Sunset Advisory Commission will then proceed with further discussion and deliberation before making a decision regarding the agencies, or part of the agencies, fate.
Lastly, the Legislative Budget Board will make a final decision and recommendation to the Legislature.
The Sunset process was created in 1977 to serve as a mechanism for evaluating Texas State Agencies, ensuring that they are acting in an ethical and efficient manner according to the goals and needs of the State of Texas.
Through this process, the Commission is able to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and mitigate any risk of fraud, waste, or abuse. It is an essential part of the Texas Regulatory System, helping to preserve and protect Texas citizens.
What is the purpose of the Sunset Advisory Commission in Texas?
The Sunset Advisory Commission was established in 1977 by the Texas Legislature to assess the performance of government agencies in order to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being utilized efficiently and effectively.
The Commission’s statutory charge is to review state agencies and recommend whether they should be continued, abolished, or consolidated. To accomplish this mission, the Commission and its professional staff conduct comprehensive performance reviews of all state agencies, boards, and commissions on a 12-year cycle.
In addition, members can request additional reviews of specific agencies.
During each review, the Commission assesses whether a state agency is needed, is effectively performing its mission and responsibilities, and is using state funds efficiently. The Commission hears testimony from agency personnel, stakeholders, and members of the general public, and assesses an agency’s financing, staffing, and legal authority.
The Commission also gathers input from agency Sunset Advisory surveys and contact the public by telephone and email.
Agency Sunset Review Reports are generated by the Commission, which includes findings and legislative recommendations. Ultimately, the Texas Legislature is responsible for enacting or repealing legislative authority with respect to an agency, eliminating or consolidating programs, or agreeing to the continuance of agencies or programs with or without modifications.
All Texas state agencies, boards, and commissions are subject to review and evaluation by the Sunset Advisory Commission. The Commission’s authority helps to ensure that state government agencies are held accountable and that taxpayer dollars are being utilized effectively and efficiently.
What does a Sunset act require?
A Sunset Act requires that a certain governmental program, activity, or regulatory agency be terminated at a predetermined date unless it is specifically reauthorized by the appropriate legislative body.
This type of legislation is meant to act as an oversight mechanism to ensure that programs, activities, and/or agencies are still providing meaningful value to the public on an ongoing basis and remain free from cases of excessive bureaucracy or inefficiency.
For a Sunset Act to become law, it must first be proposed and then voted on and passed by a majority in both houses of Congress. The legislation typically includes a timeline for both when the program, activity, or agency should sunset and when the legislative body should act on reauthorizing it.
It may also include specific objectives or criteria that the program, activity, or agency must meet in order to be reauthorized.
When a Sunset Act is passed, it is important that the legislative body stays abreast of the program, activity, or agency’s progress to ensure that it is still providing meaningful value to the public and remains free from cases of excessive bureaucracy or inefficiency.
Without the oversight of Sunset Actions, programs, activities, or agencies can become inefficient or outdated, wasting taxpayer money, or lack meaningful oversight and accountability.
What requirement was eliminated from trec sunset review?
The 2019 TREC Sunset Review eliminated the requirement to hire independent assessors to evaluate the residential energy efficiency of existing homes prior to the installation of energy efficiency measures.
Previously, an independent assessor would review an existing home and the existing conditions of the energy efficiency and performance, as well as make recommendations for improvements. This requirement was eliminated to allow for more flexibility and cost saving for homeowners.
Additionally, the review also eliminated the requirement for mandatory air/duct testing as a part of the TREC assessment process. This was also eliminated to provide a more efficient and cost-effective process for homeowners.
How successful has the Sunset process been in Texas?
The Sunset process in Texas has largely been successful in achieving its original purpose. The primary Objectives of the Sunset process were to identify and eliminate governmental inefficiency, duplication, and waste in the operations of state agencies; to ensure a continued high level of program performance; and to evaluate the general effects of governmental policies and procedures.
Since its inception, the Texas Sunset Commission has abolished over 150 government agencies and boards, resulting in annual savings of over $3 billion per year taxpayer dollars. The Commission has also worked to strengthen ethics and campaign finance laws, improved consumer protection, and tackled the practice of bureaucratic inertia.
The Sunset process has also had a positive impact on the public’s trust and faith in their government. Research conducted by the Commission has uncovered misdemeanors and brought criminal cases against certain officials, which has helped to increase public trust in governmental entities.
Overall, the Sunset process in Texas has been viewed as an effective tool in identifying and eliminating government inefficiencies and providing cost savings to the state and its citizens.
Does the Texas Sunset review process work?
Yes, the Texas Sunset review process has been around since the early 1980s and has proven to be an effective way to evaluate state agencies and how efficiently they are using resources. The process involves a comprehensive assessment of each state agency, which assesses how well it is meeting its mission, how it is using its budget and resources, and how to improve it.
It also reviews the agency’s performance and its ability to meet its performance goals. After the review is complete, any proposed changes must be approved by both the Texas Legislature and Governor before being implemented.
The Texas Sunset review process has been successful in identifying and correcting problems within state agencies. Over the years, hundreds of agencies have been reviewed, resulting in significant gain for Texas taxpayers.
In addition to improved operations, efficiencies in procurement have been achieved, additional revenue has been generated, and cost-saving measures have been implemented at various state agencies.
The success of the process can be attributed to the multiple levels of review that it requires, as well as public input from various stakeholders. The process is also continually monitored and assessed to ensure that its utility and effectiveness are maintained.
Is Texas known for sunsets?
Yes, Texas is well known for its breathtaking sunsets. From the rugged coastline to the vast expanses of central and west Texas, there is a stunning vista of nature’s beauty in every direction during sunset.
Whether you’re in the big cities of Dallas and Houston, or out in the Hill Country or on the Gulf Coast, the amazing red and orange tones of a Texas sunset are stunning and unforgettable. And with its sunsets, Texas also brings its beautiful star-filled night skies, providing an amazing backdrop for everyone to enjoy.
Has sunset legislation reduced the number of bureaucratic agencies in Texas?
Sunset legislation in Texas has had an impact on the number of bureaucratic agencies in the state. Since the introduction of Sunset legislation in 1977, around 40 Texas state agencies have been eliminated or re-negotiated in order to make them more efficient and accountable.
Some of the agencies that were abolished in previous decades included the Office of Inspector General, Texas Department of Insurance, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, and the Texas Board of Human Services.
Other agencies were consolidated or merged, such as the Texas Real Estate Commission and the Texas Department of Financial Institutions, which were combined to create the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending.
Sunset legislation also requires each agency to present a review to the Texas legislature at least once every twelve years, during which its roles and responsibilities, operational performance, and customer service are evaluated.
During this review process, the agency has the opportunity to identify any issues or explain why its continued existence is necessary for the state. As a result, the number of bureaucratic agencies in Texas has been reduced over the past four decades.
Why is the sunset law important?
The sunset law is an important legislative tool used by lawmakers to ensure that laws and regulations stay up to date and relevant. It requires lawmakers to regularly review laws, assess their effectiveness and make changes where necessary.
This is important for three main reasons.
First, laws and regulations can become outdated over time. Without regular reviews, old, ineffective laws can remain in place and hinder progress. The sunset law helps prevent this by regularly assessing the effectiveness and relevance of laws.
Second, the sunset law helps guarantee that citizens’ rights and needs are being met. By regularly reviewing laws, lawmakers have the opportunity to ensure that citizens are not overly burdened by legislative restrictions or given inadequate representation in changing times.
Finally, the sunset law promotes innovation by encouraging lawmakers to try new approaches and techniques for solving problems. It allows laws to be constantly adapted to meet changing requirements and new technologies.
This promotes progress and helps create a better future for everyone.
How many members does the Sunset Advisory Commission have?
The Sunset Advisory Commission is composed of 12 members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate: 4 appointed on the recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, 4 appointed on the recommendation of the Lieutenant Governor, and 4 appointed on the recommendation of the Governor.
These 12 members represent broad expertise in areas related to the agencies to be reviewed and the ability to serve in a nonpartisan capacity.
The commission also includes representatives from each of the four legislative caucuses (House and Senate from each major political party) and 8 nonlegislative members. All of the nonlegislative members are appointed to staggered four-year terms by the governor and must be confirmed by the Senate.
In total, the Sunset Advisory Commission has 20 members.
What unintended consequences have sunset laws had in Texas?
Sunset laws in Texas have had a number of unintended consequences. These consequences range from affecting organizational flexibility to limiting the ability of the state to respond quickly to pressing issues.
One unintended consequence has been a decreased organizational flexibility. Under Texas’ sunset laws, agencies that are set to expire must be evaluated and reauthorized. This could lead to changes in the agency’s mission, programs, and personnel that would not necessarily be in the best interest of the state.
For example, if a specific program or initiative is found to be ineffective, it may be eliminated or drastically reduced regardless of any future potential that it may have.
The sunset review process has also had an adverse affect on the ability of the state to quickly and efficiently address emerging issues. By requiring a lengthy review process in order to reauthorize an existing agency, valuable time and resources are wasted, which could have been used to tackle more pressing matters.
Furthermore, individuals with experience and knowledge of an agency may move on to other positions in the meantime, halting the momentum and continuity gained from their expertise.
Overall, Texas’ sunset laws have had a number of unintended consequences. These include decreased organizational flexibility and hindered ability to address emerging issues. It is important for lawmakers to consider both the intended and unintended consequences of such laws before enacting them into law.