87R1084 SRA-D
By: Miles S.B. No. 173
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, 2022;
(2) two members to terms expiring February 1, 2023;
and
(3) three members to terms expiring February 1, 2024.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.