More than 3,000 special purpose districts have been created in the state of Texas with various powers of taxation, regulation, and eminent domain. Unlike other agencies and offices of government, these special purpose districts are not subject to sunset review. To provide greater transparency and public input, and to limit their growth, these special purpose districts should be subject to the sunset process like every other state agency.
Key points
– Nearly 130 Texas state government agencies are subject to a revolving sunset review process, which has resulted in the elimination, consolidation, or modifications of state agencies and programs.
– Special purpose districts should be subject to the same sunset review process as other state agencies to ensure their necessity, effectiveness, and efficiency, and to provide greater public input and transparency.
– While special purpose districts are required to file certain financial information to the Comptroller, state officials lack enforcement authority to ensure compliance.