Bill: HB 1675, 83(R) - 2013

Bill Caption

Relating to governmental entities subject to the sunset review process.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB1675: An impact of $0 through the biennium ending August 31, 2015. The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill. This analysis assumes the Clear Lake City Water Authority would need to reimburse the Sunset Advisory Commission for the cost of conducting a special review and those costs would be $74,990 in fiscal year 2014 and $7,666 in fiscal year 2015. Similarly, it is also assumed that the Sulphur River Basin Authority would realize reimbursement costs of $56,743 in fiscal year 2014 and $5,749 in fiscal year 2015 for the same purpose. The entities that incur the costs in this bill will be required to reimburse the Sunset Advisory Commission.

Bill Analysis

Summary: HB 1675 outlines several agencies that will be reviewed under the Sunset Act, extending dates on which the Sunset Advisory Commission (Commission) will review whether or not to extend the agencies resources as well as specifies dates when a committee and council will be reviewed. The Commission will review the University Interscholastic League, Clear Lake City Water Authority, and Sulfur River Basin Authority on September 1, 2015. The legislation extends the time to review the Texas Department of Transportation from September 1, 2015 to 2017, Texas Council on Purchasing from People with Disabilities from September 1, 2015 to 2021, Division of Workers' Compensation of Texas Department of Insurance from September 1, 2017 to 2021, and the Office of Injured Employee Counsel from September 1, 2017 to 2021. Furthermore, HB 1675 specifies the date of September 1, 2021 for the Texas Invasive Species Coordinating Committee sunset review. Lastly, the bill specifies that the Commission will review the Early Childhood Health & Nutrition Interagency Council under the Department of Agriculture.

Analysis: HB 1675 permits the Sunset Commission to efficiently review agencies and programs by setting a review schedule compatible with the commission's level of staffing. The extended dates are a result of various factors including the need for more resources, awaiting information from departments to ensure they have implemented prior recommendations in order to provide a complete review, and matching up programs and departments in case they share the same area of interest or may possibly fit within an agency that is under review. This legislation is an administrative procedure and helps to maintain efficient and effective government operations. We encourage the Legislature to vote for HB 1675.

Source URL (retrieved on 04/20/2024 12:04 AM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/83r/hb1675?print_view=true