The Sunset process works by setting a date on which an agency is abolished unless the Legislature passes a bill to continue it. 19 entities were reviewed for the 87th Legislative Session and status on those bills is provided below. Also the Sunset safety net bill, SB 713 (Buckingham), has already passed out of the Senate and moved over to the House side. The bill was reported favorably without amendments from the House Committee on State Affairs on 4/29.
Below is the list of Last Actions on Sunset bills that are moving as of May 3rd:
Texas Department of Agriculture
SB 703 (Buckingham)– Relating to the continuation and functions of the Department of Agriculture, the Prescribed Burning Board, and the Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation and the abolishment of the Early Childhood Health and Nutrition Interagency Council.
Last Action: Reported to the full House without amendments
Anatomical Board of the State of Texas
HB 1565 (Paddie) – Relating to the continuation and transfer of the regulation of willed body programs to the Texas Funeral Service Commission and to the creation of the State Anatomical Advisory Committee; authorizing a fee.
Last Action: Received from House by Senate
Texas Animal Health Commission
SB 705 (Lucio) – Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Animal Health Commission.
Last Action: Committee Report Distributed (House)
Brazos River Authority
HB 1570 (Paddie) – Relating to the Brazos River Authority, following recommendations of the Sunset Advisory Commission; specifying grounds for the removal of a member of the board of directors.
Last Action: Received from House by Senate
Credit Union Department
SB 707 (Paxton et. al) – Relating to the continuation and functions of the Credit Union Department and the Credit Union Commission.
Last Action: Reported to the full House w/o Amendment from Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services
Texas Commission on Fire Protection
SB 709 (Hall et. al) – Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
Last Action: Reported to the full House as substituted from Urban Affairs
Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission
SB 708 (Lucio) – Relating to the continuation of the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission as an advisory committee to the Texas Historical Commission.
Last Action: Referred to Senate Natural Resources and Economic Development
HB 1555 (Goldman) – Relating to the continuation of the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission as an advisory committee to the Texas Historical Commission.
Last Action: Left pending in House Culture, Recreation, and Tourism
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
HB 1545 (Cyrier) – Relating to the continuation and functions of the Commission on Jail Standards.
Last Action: Senate received from the House
Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
HB 1550 (Cyrier) – Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
Last Action: Corrected committee report sent to Calendars (House)
Texas Commission of Licencing and Regulation
HB 1560 (Goldman) – Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Last Action: Senate received from House
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
SB 700 (Buckingham et. al) – Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Last Action: Referred to House Culture, Recreation, and Tourism
Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board
SB 702 (Paxton) – Relating to the continuation and functions of the Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board.
Last Action: Committee report sent to calendars (House)
Texas Racing Commission
SB 704 (Buckingham) – Relating to the transfer of the regulation of racing to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the abolishment of the Texas Racing Commission, and the creation of the Texas Racing Advisory Board, following recommendations of the Sunset Advisory Commission.
Last Action: Placed on Senate Intent Calendar
Teacher Retirement System of Texas
HB 1585 (Lambert) – Relating to the continuation and functions of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
Last Action: Senate Amendments Analysis distributed (House)
State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
SB 713 (Buckingham) – Relating to the sunset review process and certain governmental entities subject to that process.
Last Action: Reported to full House without amendments