Sec. 2056.001.  DEFINITION.  In this chapter, "state agency" means a department, board, commission, or other entity of state government, other than a university system or an institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, that:
(1)  has authority that is not limited to a geographical portion of the state;
(2)  was created by the constitution or a state statute with an ongoing mission and responsibilities;
(3)  is not the office of the governor or lieutenant governor;
(4)  is not within the judicial or legislative branch of government;  and
(5)  is not a committee created under state law whose primary function is to advise an agency.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.29(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1995;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 118, Sec. 5.01, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.