Texas House Bill HB1680

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the sunset review process and certain governmental entities subject to that process.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts various state agencies by establishing deadlines for their review under the Texas Sunset Act, which is intended to promote regular evaluation of their effectiveness. This process aims to eliminate agencies that are no longer necessary or to reform those that are not functioning optimally. The sunset review is also designed to encourage agencies to operate efficiently, ensuring that taxpayer resources are utilized in a responsible manner.

Summary

House Bill 1680 addresses the sunset review process in Texas, specifically focusing on the reviews of certain governmental entities. The bill amends Section 325 of the Government Code, which governs the Texas Sunset Act, delineating which state agencies are subject to sunset review and setting specific sunset dates for their continued existence. The central goal of this legislation is to enhance accountability and ensure that state agencies effectively serve their intended purposes while remaining efficient and responsive to the needs of Texas citizens.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 1680 indicate a division of opinion among legislators. Supporters argue that sunset reviews foster transparency and efficiency, necessitating that agencies justify their existence and operations every few years. Critics, however, caution that frequent reviews may place undue pressure on agencies, potentially disrupting essential services and leading to instability within vital governmental functions. Additionally, there are concerns about whether the reviews adequately consider the unique missions of different agencies, particularly those that serve vulnerable populations.