AUSTIN — Today, State Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) was appointed to the Sunset Advisory Commission by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick.

“I am honored to have been chosen to serve on the Sunset Advisory Commission for a second time,” said Nichols. “The work done by the Sunset Advisory Committee is essential for maintaining transparency, accountability and efficiency in state government.”

Nichols, who previously served on the Commission from 2009 to 2013, also served as Vice Chairman. He will be fulfilling the unexpired term of Senator Jane Nelson.

Other members selected for the Commission include: Sen. Van Taylor, who will serve as Vice Chairman; Sen. Kirk Watson; Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa; Sen. Charles Schwertner; and Lt. Colonel Allen B. West (ret.), the President and CEO of the National Center for Policy Analysis, who will serve a public appointee.

“The Sunset Commission has a challenging assignment ahead of them this session,” said Lt. Governor Patrick. “These appointees will first decide if the functions of state agencies under review are needed, and secondly, whether they are operating in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.

The Sunset Advisory Commission was created by the Texas Legislature in 1977 and is made up of members from the Senate and House, as well as two representatives of the public. Its purpose is to review the operation and efficiency of more than 130 state agencies, with each agency typically subject to review every 12 years. For more information on the Sunset Advisory Commission, including a list of agencies scheduled for review in the 2010-2011 biennium, please visit www.sunset.state.tx.us.