The text as introduced · 728 words
89R9254 KRM-F
By: Frank
H.B. No. 3284
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation of the Texas Commission on Marriage and
Family.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. DEFINITION. In this Act, "commission" means the
Texas Commission on Marriage and Family.
SECTION 2. FINDINGS. The legislature finds that:
(1) it is in the best interests of this state to
promote lasting marriage and the practice of raising children in
stable, two-parent households;
(2) Texas must promote evidence-based pathways to
support strong and healthy family connections by reducing barriers
that prevent Texans from marrying and raising children;
(3) certain state laws, rules, and policies may
discourage the positive and desirable ends of marriage and family
formation; and
(4) it is necessary to convene a commission to:
(A) study and develop strategies to promote
strong marriages and healthy families; and
(B) identify state laws, rules, and policies that
discourage Texans from marrying and raising children.
SECTION 3. PURPOSE. The commission is created to study and
develop strategies for promoting strong marriages and healthy
families and to make recommendations to the legislature to advance
the goal of creating an environment in this state that is favorable
for marriage and raising children.
SECTION 4. COMPOSITION. (a) The commission is composed of
seven members as follows:
(1) three members appointed by the governor;
(2) two members appointed by the lieutenant governor;
and
(3) two members appointed by the speaker of the house
of representatives.
(b) In making the appointments under Subsection (a) of this
section, an appointing authority shall ensure the commission is
composed of members with a background and demonstrated expertise in
marriage and family formation, including:
(1) child and family counselors;
(2) child development experts;
(3) community-based nonprofit organization leaders
who work to promote healthy marriages and parenting;
(4) published researchers in the subjects of marriage,
parenting, and the benefits of strong and stable families in
society; and
(5) members of the clergy.
(c) The governor shall appoint one member of the commission
to serve as the commission's presiding officer.
SECTION 5. MEETINGS. (a) The commission shall meet at the
call of the commission's presiding officer.
(b) A meeting conducted under this section may be held in
person, by telephone, or by other means of communication.
(c) All commission meetings shall be open to the public.
(d) A member of the commission serves without compensation
but is entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses
incurred in performing official duties.
SECTION 6. ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT. The Health and Human
Services Commission shall provide administrative support services
at the request of the commission, including the provision of
meeting space and assistance in drafting and compiling the report
required by this Act.
SECTION 7. DUTIES OF COMMISSION. The commission shall:
(1) evaluate existing state laws, rules, and policies
and identify those that discourage Texans from marrying and raising
children;
(2) assess the effectiveness of:
(A) state-funded premarital education programs
and other initiatives promoting marriage; and
(B) state-funded programs in encouraging family
formation and helping parents develop and apply successful
parenting skills and techniques; and
(3) make recommendations to the legislature
regarding:
(A) necessary changes to state laws, rules, and
policies that are identified as being detrimental to the promotion
of lasting marriages, family formation, and child rearing; and
(B) policies, programs, and strategies to:
(i) support and increase the formation of
strong, lasting marriages and healthy family connections; and
(ii) reduce the incidence of divorce and
family dissolution.
SECTION 8. APPOINTMENT. Not later than the 60th day after
the effective date of this Act, the appropriate appointing
authority shall appoint the members of the commission as required
by this Act.
SECTION 9. REPORT. Not later than November 1, 2026, the
commission shall submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor,
the speaker of the house of representatives, and each member of the
legislature a written report that includes a summary of the
commission's findings and any legislative recommendations.
SECTION 10. EXPIRATION. The commission is abolished and
this Act expires December 31, 2026.
SECTION 11. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect
immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members
elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas
Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for
immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
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