Below is the general outline of the Sunset process. Read the full story in Sunset in Texas.
Sunset Staff Evaluation
Sunset staff performs extensive research and analysis to evaluate the need for, performance of, and improvements to the agency under review.
Sunset Commission Staff
- Reviews agency’s Self-Evaluation Report
- Receives input from interested parties
- Evaluates agency and identifies problems
- Develops recommendations
- Publishes staff report
Public input is confidential
Sunset Publishes Staff Report
Sunset Commission Deliberation
The Sunset Commission conducts a public hearing to take testimony on the staff report and the agency overall. Later, the Commission meets again to vote on which changes to recommend to the full Legislature.
Public Hearings
- Sunset staff presents its report and recommendations
- Agency presents its response
- Sunset Commission hears public testimony
- Staff compiles all testimony for Commission consideration
- Sunset Commission meets again to consider and vote on recommendations
Public input is published on the website
Sunset Commission Recommends Action
Legislative Action
The full Legislature considers Sunset recommendations and makes final determinations.
Texas Legislature
- Sunset bill on an agency is drafted and filed
- Sunset bills go through normal bill processes
- The Senate and the House conduct committee hearings and debate the bill
- Bill passes or fails adoption
- Governor signs, vetoes, or allows bill to become law without signature
Agency continues with improvements.
or
Agency is abolished but may continue business for up to one year.