PUC Sunset
The Public Utility Commission of Texas is currently under review by the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission.
What is Sunset and how does it work?
Sunset is the regular assessment by the Legislature of the continuing need for a state agency to exist. While most oversight is concerned with agency compliance with legislative policies, Sunset asks a more basic question: Do the agency's functions continue to be necessary?
The Sunset process works by setting a date on which an agency will be abolished unless legislation is passed to continue its functions. This creates a unique opportunity for the Legislature to look closely at each agency and make fundamental changes to an agency's mission or operations if needed.
Agencies are typically reviewed every 12 years. About 20 to 30 agencies go through the Sunset process each legislative session.
The Sunset process is guided by a 12-member body of legislators and public members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Assisting the Commission is a staff whose reports provide an assessment of an agency's programs, giving the Legislature the information needed to draw conclusions about the agencies under review.
For more detailed information, see the commission's Guide to the Texas Sunset Process.
Sunset GuideDownload a copy of the commission's Sunset Guide in PDF format.