OFFICE OF PROGRAM POLICY ANALYSIS & GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY 2007 Sunset Review Gary R. VanLandingham, Ph.D. OPPAGA Director June 12, 2007 The Florida Legislature

OFFICE OF PROGRAM POLICY ANALYSIS & GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY Overview  OPPAGA’s Role in the Sunset Review Process  Overview of Texas Sunset Review Process

OFFICE OF PROGRAM POLICY ANALYSIS & GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OPPAGA  OPPAGA is the Legislature’s independent, non-partisan office that provides unbiased, policy-based research and recommendations

OFFICE OF PROGRAM POLICY ANALYSIS & GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY 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

OFFICE OF PROGRAM POLICY ANALYSIS & GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY 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

OFFICE OF PROGRAM POLICY ANALYSIS & GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY 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

OFFICE OF PROGRAM POLICY ANALYSIS & GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY 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

OFFICE OF PROGRAM POLICY ANALYSIS & GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY 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

OFFICE OF PROGRAM POLICY ANALYSIS & GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY 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

OFFICE OF PROGRAM POLICY ANALYSIS & GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY 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

OFFICE OF PROGRAM POLICY ANALYSIS & GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY 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

OFFICE OF PROGRAM POLICY ANALYSIS & GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY  Questions?