What does the Sunset Act require in Texas regarding state agencies?

The Sunset Act in Texas mandates a systematic evaluation of state agencies to determine their efficiency and the necessity of their services. This assessment includes analyzing the agency’s performance, the relevance of its functions in the current governmental context, and whether it serves the public effectively.

This process is designed to ensure that state agencies operate efficiently, are responsive to the needs of the citizens, and justify their existence. The Texas Sunset Advisory Commission regularly reviews these agencies and makes recommendations based on their findings. This approach emphasizes accountability in public service and aims to eliminate unnecessary government expenditures by evaluating whether each agency continues to serve a useful purpose.

The other options do not fully capture the comprehensive nature of the Sunset Act's requirements. For instance, while financial efficiency may be a component of the assessment, it is not the only focus. Additionally, annual performance reviews, though valuable, do not encompass the broader requirement for a thorough evaluation of the agency's ongoing need. Public opinion surveys are not mandated by the Sunset Act, although they may be used as a tool in some evaluations.