41-2951. Purpose

A. The Arizona legislature finds that state government actions have caused an increase in the number of agencies, departments, boards, commissions, institutions and programs of this state and that the process has developed without sufficient legislative oversight. Furthermore, the legislature finds that state government should be continually reviewed and revised in response to the developing needs of the public. In addition, the legislature finds that programs are perpetuated without periodic and systematic reappraisal of their achievements as compared to their original objectives. The legislature concludes that by establishing a system for the termination, study, review, continuation or reestablishment of such agencies, it will be in a better position to evaluate the need for the continued existence of current and future agencies, departments, boards, commissions, institutions and programs of this state.

B. It is the intention of the legislature:

1. To establish an orderly schedule for the termination of existing state agencies, departments, boards, commissions, institutions and programs and to make provisions for legislative review to enable the legislature to have the benefit of recommendations for the continuation of those state agencies, departments, boards, commissions, institutions and programs which are deemed to be essential for the necessary and efficient operation of government.

2. That the sunset review of an existing state agency, department, program, board or advisory council or committee means the sunset review of the powers and duties exercised by such state agency, department, program, board or advisory council or committee.

3. That any amendment of the enabling authority for an agency, department, program, board or advisory council or committee subject to sunset review be in accordance with this chapter.