Texas Senate Bill SB399

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the criteria for review by the Sunset Advisory Commission of a state agency.

Impact

If enacted, SB399 would bring a significant change to how state agencies are reviewed by mandating an evaluation of their initiatives aimed at addressing racial inequalities. This requirement will mandate the Sunset Advisory Commission and its staff to actively assess and report on the agency's performance related to racial disparities during the review processes. The intent is to create a more inclusive state governance structure by ensuring that agencies recognize and tackle the unique challenges faced by different racial communities.

Summary

Senate Bill 399, introduced by Senator Lucio, focuses on enhancing the review criteria applied by the Sunset Advisory Commission when evaluating state agencies. This bill seeks to amend Chapter 325 of the Government Code in Texas by including an emphasis on assessing efforts to reduce racial disparities in the performance of state agencies. The legislation aims to ensure that the operations of these agencies consider the impact of their actions on various racial groups, promoting equity and accountability in government services.

Contention

The introduction of SB399 has sparked discussions regarding the role of government agencies in addressing social issues such as race and equity. Proponents of the bill argue that requiring the assessment of racial disparities is a necessary step towards fostering equality in government services, suggesting that without such scrutiny, systemic issues may persist unaddressed. Conversely, some opponents may view this additional layer of oversight as potentially burdensome, fearing it may lead to increased regulatory responsibilities for agencies already facing significant operational challenges.