A state senator said Wednesday that he was incorrect in saying that five state agencies facing a shutdown next year because of inaction by the Legislature can have their lives extended through an executive order of the governor.
Sen. Glenn Hegar, R-Katy, said the agencies – including the transportation and insurance departments – will have to be authorized by the Legislature to continue operations after Sept. 1, 2010 – but he noted that Gov. Rick Perry has indicated there will be a special session before then.
"It was probably a misstatement to say that they [the agencies] can be extended further by an executive order of the governor," said Hegar, who added he hopes to see the governor issue an executive order clarifying that the agencies should continue normal operations through Sept. 1, 2010.
Hegar made the comment Monday night as senators debated whether to end their session without voting on a resolution to extend the life of the agencies.
Hegar serves as vice chairman of the Sunset Advisory Commission, which regularly reviews state agencies and recommends improvements as well as which agencies should be discontinued.
Asked Tuesday about Hegar's comment, Perry said: "I don't know where that came from, but whoever dreamed that one up might want to find something different to do in their life than give advice to senators."
Normally, an agency that is closed under the state's "sunset" process is given a year and three months after a legislative session – which this year ended on June 1 – to gradually close down. That means the five agencies would have at least that long to continue their functions.
"There should be no issues whatsoever in keeping the agencies running to Sept. 1 of next year," Hegar said. "Continuing them beyond that date is more uncertain without action by the Legislature. But for the time being, Texans can sleep well at night knowing that we will continue to build roads and regulate insurance."
