89R9254 KRM-F     By: Frank, Dutton, et al. 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.