Assigned to GOV                                                                               FOR CAUCUS & FLOOR ACTION

 

 


 

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Phoenix, Arizona

 

REVISED

FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1320

 

sunset; audits; required information

 

Purpose

 

Requires the subject of a sunset hearing to prepare a written statement for presentation at the first public meeting

 

Background

 

Established in 1978, the sunset review process utilized by the Arizona Legislature to review the purpose and functions of state agencies to determine whether continuation, revision, consolidation or termination of the agency is warranted.  Sunset reviews are based on audits conducted either by the Auditor General or by a committee of reference (COR).  Upon completion of the sunset audit, a public hearing is held by the COR to discuss the audit and receive testimony from agency officials and the public.  Statute requires the COR to consider 12 sunset factors and to report required information.  This legislation would add another element to the process by requiring the entity under review to prepare a written statement for presentation at the first COR meeting.

 

            Other than administrative time spent by agencies in preparing the written statement, this legislation contains no discernable fiscal impact.

 

Provisions

 

1.      Requires the subject of a sunset hearing to prepare a written statement for presentation at the first public meeting. 

 

2.      Requires the written statement to address:

 

a)      the problems or needs that the agency is intended to address,

b)      the objectives of the agency and its past and anticipated accomplishments, in qualitative and quantitative terms,

c)      other agencies that have similar, conflicting or duplicate objectives and an explanation of the manner in which the agency avoids conflict with other agencies, and

d)      the consequences of eliminating the agency or consolidating it with another agency.

 

3.      Provides for a general effective date.

 

Amendments Adopted by Committee

 

Makes technical and clarifying changes.

Senate Action

 

GOV                2/19/01            DPA    5-0-1-0

 

 

Prepared by Senate Staff

February 20, 2001