How to Participate

How to Participate in the Sunset Process

The Sunset process was established by the Texas Legislature in the 1970s to provide for greater openness in government decision-making and to improve government accountability. The values of openness, public participation and accountability continue to guide Sunset reviews of state agencies and programs today. For the Sunset process to reach its full potential, each Texan must be able to fully and equally participate in every phase of the Sunset review. This information is intended to ensure that each Texan has full and equal access to all Sunset activities, meetings, and documents.

How Can the Public Participate in Sunset?

Members of the public who participate in the review process can provide valuable information to the Sunset Commission about how well or poorly an agency performs its functions. Individuals and organizations usually participate by identifying potential issues for study and by commenting on proposed changes to the agency. The public can participate in the review of an agency by:

• Providing Input to Sunset Staff. The staff seeks input about the agencies under review from interested persons and organizations during the review. Please submit your comments on the input form or mail them to us.

• Commenting on Sunset Reports. Sunset reports are made available to the public before Sunset Commission hearings to provide an opportunity for public comment on the staff's findings and recommendations and on the agencies themselves. You may submit comments to the Sunset Commission by letter or by email.

• Testifying at Public Hearings. The Commission holds public hearings on each agency under review. These hearings offer the public an opportunity to testify about an agency and comment on the Sunset staff's recommendations. If you would like to testify before the Commission, witness affirmation forms are available at the meeting. Public hearings are webcast and archives are available.

• Taking Part in the Legislative Session. Generally, if an agency is to be continued, a bill must be passed by the Legislature. Members of the public can participate in the legislative process as they would with any other legislation.

Accommodations for People with Disabilities

For the Sunset process to reach its full potential, each Texan must be able to fully and equally participate in every phase of the Sunset review. If you have special needs or wish to request an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation, please contact the Sunset ADA Coordinator at sunset@sunset.state.tx.us or call (512) 463-1300. Individuals with a hearing impairment may call 1-800-735-2989 for an operator's assistance in contacting the Sunset office.

The Capitol Building is managed by the State Preservation Board. If you have questions regarding accessibility of the
Capitol complex, please contact the Preservation Board at 512-463-5495.

The Sunset Commission office is located at 1501 North Congress Avenue, 6th Floor, Robert E. Johnson Building. Information about accessible parking, wheelchair access routes, locations of elevators, a cafeteria, meeting rooms, restrooms, telephones, and TDD phones is available from Sunset staff.

Sunset Commission meetings are held in rooms equipped with a limited number of assistive listening devices. If you require an assistive listening device, please contact the Sunset ADA Coordinator when you decide to attend a Sunset meeting so that the necessary equipment can be reserved. The Sunset Commission will provide interpreter services when needed for Commission meetings or meetings in the Sunset office. Prior notification is requested to allow staff to arrange for interpreter services.

Meeting rooms in the Capitol Extension are wheelchair accessible, however, rooms may become very crowded during
hearings. With prior notification, the Sunset ADA coordinator can advise a person with a disability of the most accessible routes to the meetings and reserve an area that will provide an unrestricted view of the Commission's activities. A person with a disability who may require special accommodations to present testimony to the Commission should contact the Sunset ADA coordinator prior to the Commission meeting to ensure that appropriate accommodations are available.

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How to Participate in the Sunset Process
The Sunset process was established by the Texas Legislature in the 1970s to provide for greater openness in government decision-making and to improve government accountability. The values of openness, public participation and accountability continue to guide Sunset reviews of state agencies and programs today. For the Sunset process to reach its full potential, each Texan must be able to fully and equally participate in every phase of the Sunset review. This information is intended to ensure that each Texan has full and equal access to all Sunset activities, meetings, and documents.
How Can the Public Participate in Sunset?
Members of the public who participate in the review process can provide valuable information to the Sunset Commission about how well or poorly an agency performs its functions. Individuals and organizations usually participate by identifying potential issues for study and by commenting on proposed changes to the agency. The public can participate in the review of an agency by:
•	Providing Input to Sunset Staff. The staff seeks input about the agencies under review from interested persons and organizations during the review. Please submit your comments on the input form or mail them to us.
•	Commenting on Sunset Reports. Sunset reports are made available to the public before Sunset Commission hearings to provide an opportunity for public comment on the staff's findings and recommendations and on the agencies themselves. You may submit comments to the Sunset Commission by letter or by email.
•	Testifying at Public Hearings. The Commission holds public hearings on each agency under review. These hearings offer the public an opportunity to testify about an agency and comment on the Sunset staff's recommendations. If you would like to testify before the Commission, witness affirmation forms are available at the meeting. Public hearings are webcast and archives are available.
•	Taking Part in the Legislative Session. Generally, if an agency is to be continued, a bill must be passed by the Legislature. Members of the public can participate in the legislative process as they would with any other legislation.
Accommodations for People with Disabilities
For the Sunset process to reach its full potential, each Texan must be able to fully and equally participate in every phase of the Sunset review. If you have special needs or wish to request an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation, please contact the Sunset ADA Coordinator at sunset@sunset.state.tx.us or call (512) 463-1300. Individuals with a hearing impairment may call 1-800-735-2989 for an operator's assistance in contacting the Sunset office.
The Capitol Building is managed by the State Preservation Board. If you have questions regarding accessibility of the Capitol complex, please contact the Preservation Board at 512-463-5495.
The Sunset Commission office is located at 1501 North Congress Avenue, 6th Floor, Robert E. Johnson Building. Information about accessible parking, wheelchair access routes, locations of elevators, a cafeteria, meeting rooms, restrooms, telephones, and TDD phones is available from Sunset staff.
Sunset Commission meetings are held in rooms equipped with a limited number of assistive listening devices. If you require an assistive listening device, please contact the Sunset ADA Coordinator when you decide to attend a Sunset meeting so that the necessary equipment can be reserved. The Sunset Commission will provide interpreter services when needed for Commission meetings or meetings in the Sunset office. Prior notification is requested to allow staff to arrange for interpreter services.
Meeting rooms in the Capitol Extension are wheelchair accessible, however, rooms may become very crowded during hearings. With prior notification, the Sunset ADA coordinator can advise a person with a disability of the most accessible routes to the meetings and reserve an area that will provide an unrestricted view of the Commission's activities. A person with a disability who may require special accommodations to present testimony to the Commission should contact the Sunset ADA coordinator prior to the Commission meeting to ensure that appropriate accommodations are available.

\| Home \| What's New \| Sunset in Texas \| Review Schedule \| Publications \| Sunset Agencies \| \| Members \| General Information \| How to Participate \| Staff \| Agendas/Minutes \| Site Map \|