What is the Sunset Review?
Almost every state agency in Texas goes through a once-a-decade “sunset review,” where legislators evaluate the effectiveness of state government operations and assess whether or not particular state agencies are still needed. Texas’ sunset process includes significant public participation opportunities at every step, and it’s up to Texans to use those opportunities to advocate for strong laws.
The Sunset Advisory Commission is made up of ten legislators and two public members appointed by the Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House. The Sunset Commission staff performs the research and analysis functions of the review, with the appointed Commission members taking public testimony and voting on recommendations. The sunset review process takes a full 18 months from start to finish.
The sunset review process was one of the first state government accountability programs developed in the United States. Colorado passed the first sunset review legislation in 1976, and within five years, the majority of states had adopted similar legislation. Texas adopted its sunset legislation in 1977.
2010 Texas Sunset Commission Members
Senate Members
Hon. Glenn Hegar, Jr., Chair
Hon. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa
Hon. Joan Huffman
Hon. Robert Nichols
Hon. John Whitmire
Charles McMahen, Public Member
House Members
Hon. Dennis Bonnen, Vice Chair
Hon. Rafael Anchia
Hon. Byron Cook
Hon. Linda Harper-Brown
Hon. Larry Taylor
Lamont Jefferson, Public Member
Contacting the Sunset Commission:
Submit a comment via email click here.
Comment on a Sunset staff report click here.
Physical Address:
Sunset Advisory Commission
1501 North Congress Avenue
6th Floor, Robert E. Johnson Bldg.
Austin, TX 78701
Mailing Address:
Sunset Advisory Commission
PO Box 13066
Austin, TX 78711
Fax:(512) 463-0705
Phone:(512) 463-1300
Website:
www.sunset.state.tx.us
