Every 12 years, state agencies in Texas undergo a sunset review process. Led by the Sunset Advisory Commission, the review strives to provide greater openness in government decision-making and improved government accountability.
The department’s regular Sunset review occurred during the 81st Legislative Session; however, continuing legislation did not pass during that Legislative Session. TxDOT was continued for two years in legislation passed during the 81st Legislature’s First Called Session. The department will undergo a limited review by the Sunset Advisory Commission staff in 2010, please refer to the review schedule available on the Sunset website.
Implementation of Sunset Advisory Commission Recommendations
Absent the passage of the continuing legislation, Texas Transportation Commission Chair Deirdre Delisi directed TxDOT staff to begin implementing many of the recommendations issued by Sunset staff, as well as many of the agreed upon concepts included in the legislation which did not pass and do not require changes to current law.
TxDOT’s efforts should be considered a work in progress. An update was given to the Texas Transportation Commission at the Dec. 15, 2010 Commission Workshop on the progress of implementing these recommendations.
Sunset Review Process
The Sunset Review process begins with the department submitting its Self-Evaluation Report (SER) to the staff of the Sunset Advisory Commission. TxDOT's SER is a compendium of all agency-related functions and depicts the purpose of each program for which the department is involved. The SER also identifies specific policy issues that it recommends Sunset staff evaluate through the review process.
After the submission of the SER, staff of the Sunset Advisory Commission commenced an in-depth review of the agency. In June 2008, Sunset staff issued a report highlighting several issues and recommendations related to the operations and functions of the Texas Department of Transportation. You can also read TxDOT's Response.
The Texas Sunset Act
The Texas Sunset Act provides that the Sunset Commission, composed of legislators and public members, periodically evaluate a state agency to determine if the agency is still needed, and what improvements are needed to ensure that state funds are well spent. Based on the recommendations of the Sunset Commission, the Texas Legislature ultimately decides whether an agency continues to operate into the future.
During the First Called Session of the 81st Legislature, legislation was passed which set the Sunset staff review schedule for 2009 and 2010. TxDOT, along with a few other agencies who underwent Sunset review in preparation for continuing legislation which did not pass during the 2009 session, is required to undergo a "limited" review prior to the next legislative session. A limited review means the members of the Sunset Advisory Commission will assess if the original Sunset recommendations to the 81st Legislature still apply and if any new issues need to be addressed. This re-review will start in September, 2010; with the agency’s public hearing in December and a decision hearing, resulting in recommendations to the 82nd Legislature on the continuation of the department, in January 2011.
Through the Sunset review, every Texan has the opportunity to
suggest ways in which the mission and operations of the Texas
Department of Transportation can be strengthened. If you would like
to share your ideas about the agency, please contact Jennifer Jones
of the Sunset staff.
Sunset Advisory Commission
P.O. Box 13066
Austin, Texas 78711
512/463-1300
Fax: 512/463-0705
Contact the Sunset Advisory Commission for more information about the Sunset process and Sunset Commission meetings schedule.
125 East 11th Street . Austin, Texas 78701 
Copyright 2011. Texas Department of Transportation. All Rights Reserved.
