Relating to the creation of the Texas Commission on Marriage and Family.

89(R) HB 3284 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

H.B. No. 3284

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) an attorney who is board certified in family law;

(2) child and family counselors;

(3) child development experts;

(4) community-based nonprofit organization leaders

who work to promote healthy marriages and parenting;

(5) published researchers in the subjects of marriage,

parenting, and the benefits of strong and stable families in

society; and

(6) 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.

______________________________

______________________________

President of the Senate

Speaker of the House

I certify that H.B. No. 3284 was passed by the House on May

14, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 107, Nays 32, 2 present, not

voting.

______________________________

Chief Clerk of the House

I certify that H.B. No. 3284 was passed by the Senate on May

26, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 25, Nays 6.

______________________________

Secretary of the Senate

APPROVED: _____________________

Date

_____________________

Governor