The Texas Sunset Advisory Commission reviews the operation and efficiency of more than 150 state agencies. Most agencies undergo Sunset review every 12 years.

The Sunset Advisory Commission was established in 1977. Five members of the House, five Senate appointees and two public members make up the panel. Appointees conduct comprehensive evaluations of agencies such as the Texas Department of Transportation, the Railroad Commission, the Texas Public Utility Commission, the Department of Insurance and others.

Twenty-nine agencies are scheduled for Sunset reviews during the 2010-2011 biennium.

After seeking public input, the commission adopts recommendations on how to improve each agency’s operations and whether the agency should continue to exist or be "sunsetted."