Lt. Governor Patrick Announces Appointments to the Sunset Advisory Commission
October 26
AUSTIN – Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced the appointments of Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, Sen. Dawn Buckingham, R-Lakeway, Sen. Bob Hall, R-Canton, and Emily Pataki, Cedar Park, to the Sunset Advisory Commission. Sen. Birdwell has been appointed chair. Sen. Kirk Watson will continue to serve as the lieutenant governor’s appointee. The lieutenant governor issued the following statement upon making the appointments:
“An effective and efficient government is the hallmark of conservative leadership. Those principles have made Texas strong and I am confident that these appointees will work diligently to ensure that Texas state agencies continue to operate with efficiency and accountability to best serve the people of Texas.”
Emily Pataki is the lieutenant governor’s public member appointed to the commission. She currently serves as board president of Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Inc., and is a graduate of Yale University. She is also a board member of Atec, Inc., and the Association of Women in Energy.
The Sunset Advisory Commission reviews agencies that are scheduled to be abolished by the Texas Sunset Act. Their duties include conducting public hearings and issuing a report with findings and recommendations to the legislature.
Want new articles directly to your inbox?
Subscribe to our Publishing Service.
Fort Worth Court of Appeals Enforces Defense and Indemnity Obligations All the Way Up the Chain of Purchase and Sale Agreements Conveying Louisiana Leases
The Fort Worth Court of Appeals has affirmed a trial court order granting defendant operators’ summary judgment motions seeking enforcement of defense and indemnity obligations. Urban Fund III, LP and Urban Oil and Gas Partners C-1, LP v. Blackbeard Operating East,...
Austin Court of Appeals Throws Out Taxpayer Suit Challenging Central Health’s Contract With Dell Medical School
The Austin Court of Appeals has reversed a trial court order denying Central Health’s motion to dismiss a suit brought by taxpayers to enjoin the hospital district’s contract with UT Dell Medical School to help provide indigent care. Dr. Patrick Lee and Chief...
Third-Party Litigation Funding: 214 Companies from Diverse Industries Urge Adoption of Rule Requiring Disclosure of TPLF Agreements to Parties
Lawyers for Civil Justice https://askabouttplf.com/ Letter Reflects Largest and Most Diverse Support to Date for TPLF Disclosure Rule WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 14, 2026 – 214 companies – in a significant demonstration of support – are urging the Advisory...