Texas Senate Bill SB1647

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to participation of state agency employees in the review of the agency by the Sunset Advisory Commission.

Impact

The enactment of SB1647 will likely strengthen the oversight role of the Sunset Advisory Commission by incorporating employee feedback directly into reviews of state agencies. By encouraging employee involvement, the bill facilitates a more comprehensive evaluation of agency operations and efficiencies. This is expected to result in better-informed recommendations regarding agency performance and organizational improvements.

Summary

Senate Bill 1647 aims to enhance transparency and accountability within Texas state agencies by allowing employees to participate voluntarily in agency reviews conducted by the Sunset Advisory Commission. The bill amends Section 325.019 of the Government Code, specifically introducing provisions that ensure employees can voluntarily engage in the review process without fear of retaliation or adverse employment actions stemming from their participation. This move is positioned as a way to ensure that insights from agency employees can influence review outcomes positively.

Contention

While the bill appears to foster a culture of openness, there may be concerns regarding the actual implementation of its provisions. Critics might argue that without sufficient safeguards, the process may inadvertently create a hostile environment for employees wishing to participate. Additionally, there could be questions about how effectively these participatory measures will be enforced and the potential repercussions for employees who speak out during the review process.