Description:
<p>This study examines the impact of sunset legislation, a widely publicized form of legislative oversight that has been adopted by over two-thirds of the states. Using survey data collected of legislators in one state, Tennessee, this study focuses on the effect of such oversight on the legislative process. The findings indicate that sunset review has had an impact upon legislative attitudes and, if the legislators' perceptions are correct, upon the attitudes and behavior of administrators. Sunset review has led to increased understanding and cooperation between the legislature and agency officials, although tension and conflict between the two branches has also occurred. Perhaps most important, legislators indicate that their experiences with sunset review increase the likelihood that they will become more active in other forms of oversight.</p>