How to Participate in the Sunset Process
The Sunset process was established by the Texas Legislature in the 1970s to provide for greater openness in government decision-making and to improve government accountability. The values of openness, public participation and accountability continue to guide the Sunset review process today. For Sunset to reach its full potential, each Texan must be able to fully and equally participate in every phase of the Sunset review. This information is intended to ensure that each Texan enjoys full and equal access to all Sunset Activities, meetings, and documents.
How Can the Public Participate in Sunset?
Members of the public who participate in the review process can provide valuable information to the Sunset Commission about how well or poorly an agency performs its functions. Individuals and organizations usually participate by identifying potential issues for study and by commenting on proposed changes to the agency. The public can participate in the review of an agency by:
• Input with Staff. The staff seeks input during the review at which time interested persons and organizations may voice
their concerns about the agency. Please submit your input on the input form and send us your comments.
• Reviewing Sunset Documents. Sunset documents, including reports and decision materials, are made available to the
public on a regular basis to keep the public informed on the progress of the review.
• Testifying at Public Hearings. The Commission holds public hearings on each agency under review. These hearings offer the public an opportunity to testify on the agency and related recommendations. Multiple agencies are considered within one meeting and many interest groups, professional trade associations, and members of the public may attend and provide testimony to the Commission. If you would like to testify before the Commission, witness affirmation forms are available at the meeting.
• Taking Part in the Legislative Session. Generally, if an agency is to be continued, a bill must be passed by the Legislature. The public can participate in the same way as with any other legislation.
Accommodations for People with Disabilities
For Sunset to reach its full potential, each Texan must be able to fully and equally participate in every phase of the Sunset review. If you have special needs or questions about the Sunset process or wish to request an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation, please contact the Sunset ADA Coordinator at sunset@sunset.state.tx.us or call (512) 463-1300. Individuals with a hearing impairment may call 1-800-735-2989 for an operator's assistance in contacting the Sunset office.
The Capitol Building is managed by the State Preservation Board. If you have questions regarding accessibility of the
Capitol complex, please contact the Preservation Board at 512-463-5495.
The Sunset Commission office is located at 1501 North Congress Avenue, 6th Floor, Robert E. Johnson Building. Maps showing accessible parking, wheelchair access routes, locations of elevators, cafeterias, meeting rooms, restrooms, telephones, and TDD phones are available from Sunset staff.
Sunset Commission meetings are held in rooms equipped with a limited number of assistive listening devices. If you require an assistive listening device, please contact the Sunset ADA Coordinator when you decide to attend a Sunset meeting so that the necessary equipment can be reserved. The Sunset Commission will provide interpreter services when needed for Commission meetings or meetings in the Sunset offices. Prior notification is requested to allow staff to arrange for interpreter services.
Meeting rooms in the Capitol Extension are wheelchair accessible, however, rooms may become very crowded during
hearings. With prior notification, the Sunset ADA coordinator can advise a person with a disability of the most accessible routes to the meetings and reserve an area that will provide an unrestricted view of the Commission's activities. A person with a disability who may require special accommodations to present testimony to the Commission should contact the Sunset ADA coordinator prior to the Commission meeting to ensure that appropriate accommodations are available.
The Sunset Commission sunset@sunset.state.tx.us will assist in providing Sunset documents for visually impaired participants in braille, large print, or CD. Agency-prepared Self-Evaluation Reports in these formats should be requested from each respective agency.