Over the next several months, Texans will have the opportunity to participate in a full, public review of several of our state's key agencies through the "sunset review" process. This year's sunset review schedule includes a number of high profile agencies including the Texas Department of Insurance, the Texas Youth Commission, the Texas Department of Agriculture, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the Texas Department of Transportation.

Sunset offers an unprecedented opportunity for citizen participation in the public policy debate, and unlike the legislative session the sunset process happens over the course of a year, with much of the public participation component taking place during the summer. Texas Impact is involved in the sunset reviews of several agencies. Want to get involved? Call or email us about attending meetings with legislators, hosting public forums, and other ways you can add your voice to the discussion!

Contact the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission

House Members

• Carl Isett- Chair
• Dan Flynn
• Linda Harper-Brown
• Lois Kolkhorst
• Ruth Jones McClendon
• Ike Sugg

Senate Members

• Glenn Hegar, Jr. Vice Chair
• Kim Brimer
• Robert F. Deuell, M.D.
• Craig Estes
• Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
• Michael Stevens

Download the newest handout in our Faith in Texas series:

How To Participate in the Sunset Process

Background

The sunset review process was one of the first state government accountability programs developed in the U.S. Colorado adopted the first sunset review legislation in 1976, and within five years the majority of states had adopted similar legislation. Texas adopted its sunset statute in 1977. Today, only a few states maintain a sunset review system, with Texas’ being one of the most robust and far-reaching.

Texas’ sunset process is distinctive because of its size and scope, and because it offers the opportunity for significant public participation. The public participation component of Texas’ sunset process is a vital counterpart to public participation during the legislative session: while the legislative session is short and intense, the sunset process occurs over an 18-month period with many opportunities for citizen input both at the Capitol and in local communities.

Like other public participation processes in state government, the public participation component of the sunset review process is only as valuable as Texans make it. This how-to guide is intended to help you make the most of your opportunity to influence public policy through the Texas sunset review.

2008-2009 Sunset Review Schedule