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 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.
Sunset Advisory Commission Report
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 Reponse.
Implementation of Sunset Advisory Commission Recommendations
Texas Transportation Commission Chair Deirdre Delisi has directed TxDOT staff to begin implementing many of the recommendations issued by Sunset Staff.
Sunset Issue 1 (Commission structure and further oversight) and Issue 5 (motor vehicle registration and licensing of dealers) are expected to be addressed by the 81st Legislature, and thus are not on the implementation list. In addition, although implementation of the remainder of the recommendations are underway, it is possible that the 81st Legislature will amend those issues further.
Therefore, TxDOT’s efforts should be considered a work in progress, and not a final document. Please review the agency's reports to the Transportation Commission on the progress of implementing these recommendations.
Preparing for Sunset Review
To prepare for our Sunset Review in 2009, we hired an outside vendor to conduct independent assessments of our management and business operations. The department's operations were divided into five categories. The final audit reports for each of those five categories are provided below.
| Date | Title | |
| 04/15/08 | Consideration of Cost in the Consultant Selection Process Evaluation |
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| 08/07 | Consumer Services |
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| 08/24/07 | Contracting and Project Delivery |
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| 09/17/07 | Field Operations |
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| 09/12/07 | Management & Support Functions |
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| 07/20/07 | Organizational Structure Considerations Addendum |
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| 08/29/07 | Transportation Funding |
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| 08/29/07 | Transportation Funding Appendices |
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| 01/14/08 | Transportation Funding Addendum |
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The Texas Sunset Act
The mission and performance of the Texas Department of Transportation are currently being reviewed by the Legislature as required under the Texas Sunset Act. The 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.
The Sunset Review involves three steps:
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. Suggestions are preferred by Dec. 17, 2007, so they can be fully considered by the Commission 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 2009. Texas Department of Transportation. All Rights Reserved.
