Sunset Staff Recommends TLSAC Reauthorization

The Sunset Commission staff issued its report on the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. The Staff Report lists four primary issues, including finding that the State has a continuing need for the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) and recommending its continuance for another 12 years, and recommends no organizational changes.

Other findings relate long-term planning for state archival records, working with legislative office on the disposition of legislator records, reviewing the state’s records retention schedule, and updating the library grant review practices.

On August 29, three TLA members testified before the Sunset Commission in support of this recommendation. There will be a bill to reauthorize the agency filed during the upcoming session, which provides another opportunity for you to work with your to legislators to support Texas libraries.

The Sunset process began in the spring and TLA has provided comment and input every step along the way – advocating for the important work that TSLAC does on behalf of all libraries. We have reached out to members from all TLA divisions to coordinate these important efforts to support the agency and appreciate the advocacy we’ve seen from our members.

The Sunset process, which is mandated by the Texas Legislature, provides a meaningful opportunity for all agencies to examine current practices and look to the future. The Sunset process focuses on areas for continued improvement and strategies for increasing an agency’s ability to meet its mandate.