Sunset Review
Contents
What is Sunset?
Most state agencies are reviewed once every 12 years to determine the continuing need for the agency to exist, its effectiveness, any duplication of services and programs, and ways to make improvements.
Visit the Sunset Advisory Commission website for more information about the process.
Review of the TCDD and Health and Human Services Agencies
Under state law, the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities and 14 other health and human services agencies, councils and committees went through the Sunset Review process in 1997-1998.
The next Sunset Review of all health and human services agencies, including the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities and the Governor's Committee for People with Disabilities was postponed by the legislature until after the 2013 legislative session.
In 1997, each of the state agencies being reviewed was required to submit a self evaluation. Sunset staff then studied the agencies and prepared a report on each one, as well as recommendations that cut across agencies. Once completed, the reports were published for distribution and placed on the Sunset Commission's website. Next, the Sunset Advisory Commission, which includes four senators, four representatives and two public members, held a public hearing on each agency. Final recommendations on each agency and on "cross-cutting measures" regarding the organization and delivery of health and human services were decided by the commission, and forwarded to the Texas Legislature for consideration during the 76th Legislative Session in the form of draft legislation.
The 1998 Sunset Advisory Commission Staff Report on the Texas Rehabilitation Commission (PDF) (link opens in new window) may be downloaded from the Sunset Commission's website. The report includes recommendations for the Texas Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities, the Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities and the Texas Office for the Prevention of Developmental Disabilities.
Sunset Advisory Commission Agency Reviews 2012 – 2013
List of 24 agencies scheduled for Sunset review during the 2012 – 2013 biennium, including the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
Sunset Recommendations Regarding TCDD
A favorable report on the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities was presented by the Sunset staff on Oct. 13, 1998, at a Sunset Commission meeting and public hearing. In the report, Sunset staff stated, "The Sunset review found a continuing need for the purposes of the Council. The Council plays an important role in planning, advocating and demonstrating innovative ways to provide services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities."
The Sunset Advisory Commission approved the Sunset staff recommendation, on Nov. 18, 1998, to continue the Texas Council for 12 years and update state statute to conform to changes in the federal law. The complete recommendation is as follows:
- Continue the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities for 12 years and update state statute to conform to changes in the federal law by:
- Clarifying the relationship between the Council and the designated state agency, and
- Further defining the responsibilities of the Council.
Governor Signs TCDD Sunset Legislation into Law
On Wednesday, May 12, 1999, Governor Bush signed House Bill (HB) 1610, the Sunset legislation which reauthorizes the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities - until 2009 (Amended in 2005). The legislation, which became effective on Sept. 1, 1999, also does the following:
- Updates state statute to conform to changes in the federal law;
- Indicates that the Governor may designate the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) as the state agency through which the Council's funds flow or another state agency if the Governor determines the Commission or other agency is allowable (which means they do not provide or pay for services, in keeping with the federal law); and
- Authorizes the Council to change its name from the Texas Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities to the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities.
To view a copy of the bill as it was signed by the Governor, as well as an analysis of the bill that was created earlier and the steps of its passage, go to Texas Legislature Online. (Go to "Search Bills" "By Bill Number" and under "76th REGULAR SESSION - 1999", type in "HB1610". To see the final bill, choose "Text" next, then "Enrolled Version". The analysis is also located under "Text".) Please note that only the specific sections of Chapter 112 of the Texas Human Resources Code which were amended or revised are included in the bill.
Once these changes were adopted, they were sent to the Texas Legislative Council and integrated into the state's Human Resources Code. The current code may be read on our website.
A copy of the staff report on each agency and the Sunset Commission's decision on the HHSC and HHS organization are available on the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission's website. The final recommendations on each agency and cross-cutting issues, as well as the Sunset staff reports, are also available by calling the Sunset Commission at 512-463-1300.
