86R14339 AAF-D By: Miles S.B. No. 1747 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the creation of the African American Family Commission. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter F, Chapter 401, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 401.106 to read as follows: Sec. 401.106. AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILY COMMISSION. (a) In this section, "commission" means the African American Family Commission established under this section. (b) The governor shall establish the African American Family Commission in the office of the governor to improve and expand existing policies, services, programs, and opportunities for African American families. (c) The commission shall: (1) guide the efforts of and collaborate with state agencies and the office of the governor in matters relating to African American families; (2) monitor and comment on existing and proposed legislation and programs designed to address the needs of African Americans in this state; (3) assist state agencies in developing programs, services, public policies, and research strategies that will expand and enhance the social and economic well-being of African American children and families; (4) facilitate the participation and representation of African Americans in the development, implementation, and planning of policies, programs, and services; and (5) promote research efforts to document the impact of policies and programs on African American families. (d) The commission is composed of seven members appointed by the governor. The governor shall appoint members that reflect the various regions of the state to ensure that the needs of African American families and children throughout this state are represented. Members serve staggered three-year terms, with the terms of two or three members, as appropriate, expiring each year. (e) The commission shall annually report on the commission's progress toward the objectives described by Subsection (c) to the governor and the members of the legislature. (f) The commission may solicit and accept gifts, donations, and grants of money from any public or private source to assist the commission in fulfilling its duties under this section. SECTION 2. In making the initial appointments to the commission established under this Act, the governor shall appoint: (1) two members to terms expiring February 1, 2020; (2) two members to terms expiring February 1, 2021; and (3) three members to terms expiring February 1, 2022. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.