How Can the Public Participate in Sunset?

(The following text is extracted from Guide to the Texas Sunset Process.)

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 following points illustrate the significant ways the public can participate in the Sunset review of an agency.

• Input with Staff. The staff seeks input during the review at which time interested persons and organizations may voice their concerns or ideas about the agency.
• Reviewing Sunset Reports. Sunset reports, including agency Self-Evaluation Reports and staff reports, 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 the Sunset staff report for each agency under review. These hearings offer the public, interest groups, and professional trade associations an opportunity to comment on the agency and the Sunset staff’s recommendations for the agency, and to raise new issues of their own before the Sunset Commission.
• 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.

For Sunset to reach its full potential, each Texan must be able to fully and equally participate in every phase of the Sunset review. Persons with special needs or questions about the Sunset process who wish to request an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation, should contact the Sunset ADA Coordinator. In addition, information on accommodations for people with disabilities can be found on the back cover of this report.

Persons interested in being placed on Sunset’s mailing list and receiving the review schedule, meeting schedule, meeting agendas, staff reports, or decision materials should contact the Sunset Commission staff.

How Does Sunset Coordinate With Other Oversight Agencies?

Th e Sunset Commission is one of several agencies charged with monitoring state agency performance. These other oversight agencies include the State Auditor, Legislative Budget Board, Governor’s Office of Budget and Planning, and Legislative Committees. Sunset regularly coordinates with these entities to reduce the possibility of duplication of effort and to assist in identifying issues that may be best addressed by Sunset or another agency. The role of each oversight agency is further explored in the textbox, Coordination with other Oversight Agencies.