What is the purpose of the Sunset Act in Texas?

The purpose of the Sunset Act in Texas is to establish a systematic process for reviewing the effectiveness and necessity of state agencies, boards, and commissions. This is achieved through regular evaluations, which help determine whether these entities should continue to exist, be restructured, or be abolished altogether. This process aims to ensure that governmental entities operate efficiently, serve their intended public purposes, and do not persist without justifiable reasons for their existence.

The Sunset Act embodies a key principle of accountability in government. By subjecting state agencies to regular review, the act helps in identifying areas of inefficiency, waste, or redundancy within the government. Ultimately, this legislative oversight contributes to better governance by ensuring that taxpayer dollars are utilized effectively.

In contrast, options regarding the creation of new taxes, enforcement of criminal laws, and protection of civil rights represent different areas of governance and law that do not pertain to the specific review and evaluation function that the Sunset Act addresses. Thus, these choices do not align with the primary intent of the Sunset Act.