BILL ANALYSIS
By: Truitt
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
State agencies undergo periodic review by the Sunset Advisory Commission (commission). The commission is guided by the Texas Sunset Act. The Act has certain provisions that need updating to reflect the current practices of the commission, and to reflect the way the Sunset process has evolved. The Legislature frequently changes the review schedule for certain agencies to balance the workload of the commission, to better align the reviews of agencies by grouping them based on subject matter; and in some cases, to serve as a safety net in the event an agency sunset bill is in danger of not passing. H.B. 3249 serves that purpose. The bill changes the review provision of three agencies. It moves one agency's sunset review date back to be the same as another agency that has related responsibilities. It moves up the review of one agency to be reviewed with the agency to which it is administratively attached. H.B. 3249 also removes the specific date for one agency and allows it to be reviewed with the agency into which it was consolidated.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
Changes to the Sunset Act
H.B. 3249 makes changes to the Sunset Act. The bill adds standard conflict-of-interest language for public commission members, and removes language that prevents a legislative member appointed to serve a partial term from being reappointed to a full term. The bill makes several changes to review timeframes and procedures to reflect the commission’s current practices. The bill also adds language to reflect current practice regarding legislation to adjust the commission’s review schedule.
H.B. 3249 changes the sunset date for the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation from 2009 to 2011. (This allows it to be reviewed with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.)
H.B. 3249 changes the sunset date for the Texas Council on Purchasing from People with Disabilities from 2015 to 2013. (This allows it to be reviewed with the Texas Building and Procurement Commission.)
H.B. 3249 removes the sunset date for the Texas Military Facilities Commission. (This allows it to be reviewed as part of the Adjutant General’s Department.)
EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2007.