Moody Bill Creates A Nine-Member Commission For Boys And Men

The text as introduced · 699 words

90R4039 CXP-F

By: Moody
H.B. No. 654

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to establishing the Texas Commission for Boys and Men.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. TEXAS COMMISSION FOR BOYS AND MEN. (a) In this

section, "commission" means the Texas Commission for Boys and Men

established under this section.

(b) The commission is established to promote the success and

well-being of boys, male youth, and men in this state.

(c) The commission is composed of nine members appointed as

follows:

(1) three members appointed by the governor;

(2) three members appointed by the lieutenant

governor; and

(3) three members appointed by the speaker of the

house of representatives.

(d) A commission member must have a background and

demonstrated expertise in any of the following areas:

(1) economics;

(2) education;

(3) criminal justice;

(4) marriage and family therapy;

(5) fatherhood initiatives;

(6) treatment of substance use disorders;

(7) health care; and

(8) mental health.

(e) The appropriate appointing authority shall appoint the

commission members required by Subsection (c) of this section not

later than the 60th day after the effective date of this Act.

(f) The governor shall designate a commission member to

serve as presiding officer.

(g) A commission member is not entitled to compensation or

reimbursement of expenses.

(h) The commission shall conduct a systematic study of the

conditions and issues affecting boys, male youth, and men in this

state. The study must:

(1) identify and define the specific needs of boys,

male youth, and men, including identifying any gaps in data

collection that prevent effective policymaking to meet those needs;

(2) assess, using state and federal data,

disaggregated to the extent possible by age, race, geographic

location, and occupation, issues and outcomes affecting the

well-being of boys, male youth, and men, including:

(A) marriage;

(B) family stability;

(C) fatherhood;

(D) paternal involvement;

(E) academic performance in primary and

secondary and postsecondary education;

(F) workforce participation;

(G) wages, income, and poverty;

(H) physical and mental health;

(I) involvement with the criminal justice

system;

(J) substance use and abuse;

(K) violence; and

(L) death rates;

(3) evaluate the laws and regulations of this state

and identify laws and regulations that negatively affect the

ability of boys, male youth, and men to achieve prosperity and

realize their full potential;

(4) examine the factors contributing to the

underrepresentation of men in the teaching profession; and

(5) make recommendations, including changes to state

laws, policies, and programs, for:

(A) improving the conditions and outcomes

described by Subdivision (2) of this subsection; and

(B) using existing programs in the Department of

State Health Services, the Health and Human Services Commission,

and the Texas Education Agency to address demonstrated male health

needs without detracting from women's health programs.

(i) The commission may request and receive information,

data, and assistance from any state agency or department or any

political subdivision of this state in carrying out the

commission's duties. The commission shall collaborate with the

Department of State Health Services, and Health and Human Services

Commission, and the Texas Education Agency in developing the

recommendations required by Subsection (h)(5) of this section.

(j) Not later than November 1, 2028, the commission shall:

(1) publish the results of the study required by

Subsection (h) of this section; and

(2) prepare and submit to the governor, the lieutenant

governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives a written

report that includes:

(A) the results of the study required by

Subsection (h) of this section; and

(B) recommendations for legislative or other

action to promote the well-being and prosperity of boys, male

youth, and men in this state, including recommendations regarding

specific statutes or regulations that the commission recommends

enacting, repealing, or amending.

SECTION 2. ABOLITION OF COMMISSION. The Texas Commission

for Boys and Men is abolished and this Act expires December 31,

2028.

SECTION 3. 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, 2027.