1. Gary R. VanLandingham, Ph.D. OPPAGA Director June 12, 2007
The Florida Legislature
2007 Sunset Review
Gary R. VanLandingham, Ph.D.
OPPAGA Director
June 12, 2007

2. Overview OPPAGA’s Role in the Sunset Review Process
Overview of Texas Sunset Review Process

3. OPPAGA
OPPAGA is the Legislature’s independent, non-partisan office that provides unbiased, policy-based research and recommendations

4. OPPAGA’s Role in the Sunset Review Process
Conduct studies of agencies undergoing Sunset review, focusing on issues of legislative interest
Provide ongoing research support to Legislature, as needed

5. OPPAGA Reviews - Status
Working on studies of each agency undergoing Sunset Review in
Department of Environmental Protection
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Department of Citrus
Water Management Districts

6. OPPAGA Reviews - Status
Have contacted stakeholder groups, reviewed prior research, identified potential issues, and begun fieldwork
Potential to provide multiple, brief reports on each agency
Agency overview is initial product; other reports issued throughout summer and fall

7. Texas Sunset Review Process
Florida’s process is very similar to Texas Sunset Reviews
Staff conduct studies of agencies, Sunset Commission considers studies and testimony, develops recommendations and Sunset bill

8. Texas Government
Florida government is very different from Texas government structure
Florida has consolidated functions into relatively few agencies; Texas has over 200, many headed by boards
Texas Legislature meets only every other year

9. Texas Outcomes Texas Sunset Commission reviews focus on similar issues
Typically result in program improvements, not agency abolishment
Have resulted in $784 million in cost savings

10. Texas Outcomes
Texas Sunset Commission reviews have abolished few agencies
Between 1979 and 2005, reviews resulted in abolishment of 52 agencies (9% of reviewed entities)
Agencies abolished include Board of Library Examiners, Riding Stables Chapter, and Good Neighbor Commission

11. Benefits of Process Strengthens legislative oversight
Provides regular, comprehensive reviews of state agencies
Identifies opportunities for improving, restructuring, and eliminating government functions and reducing costs

12. Questions?