The Texas Legislature created the Sunset Advisory Commission in 1977 to review efficiency and operations of state agencies. The Commission ultimately makes a recommendation on the need of those agencies.

The Commission includes five state senators, five state representatives and two members of the general public.

On Oct. 6, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst announced Sen. Glenn Hegar (R-Katy) as Sunset Commission chairman. Sens. Chuy Hinojosa (D-McAllen), Joan Huffman (R-Houston), Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville), and John Whitmire (D-Houston), along with Charles McMahen of Schulenburg, were also named by Dewhurst. House Speaker Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) appointees are forthcoming.

During the 2010-2011 biennium, 29 agencies will come before the panel. In particular, Texas Farm Bureau will be closely monitoring the following entities: Coastal Coordination Council, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Department of Insurance (TDI), Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Equine Research Account Advisory Committee, Forest Service, Public Utility Commission (PUC)/Electric Reliability Council (ERCOT), Racing Commission, Railroad Commission, State Soil and Water Conservation Board and Water Development Board.

TxDOT and TDI were reviewed during the legislative session earlier this year, but the particulars could not be settled among legislators before the regular session concluded. These agencies were included during the July special session and given a two-year extension. However, lawmakers opted to wait until the 2011 legislative session before sealing their fate.

Through the 2011 TxDOT Sunset bill, Farm Bureau is anxious for a second chance to repeal the Trans-Texas Corridor from state law, establish more accountability at the Transportation Commission, create transparency at the Transportation Department, and secure better funding to improve Texas roads.

Simultaneously, Farm Bureau will be aggressively engaged with legislation affecting groundwater, surface water, water management, and water quality through the 2011 Sunset bills for TCEQ, Soil and Water Conservation Board, and the Water Development Board.

Several agencies have already completed their required self evaluation report. The Commission uses these documents as groundwork for the 2011 Sunset bills. Soon, Chairman Hegar will schedule hearings and call for stakeholder comments. Rest assured that Farm Bureau staff and county leaders will be prepared to represent our interests before the panel by articulating the effects on Texas agriculture.