What does Preamble of Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled 'To establish an independent Children's Commission and position of Commissioner, and for other purposes.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2026.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2026 do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. “Agency” is defined as the meaning given in section 551 of title 5, United States Code. “Child” is defined as an individual from birth up to age 18. The “Children’s Commissioner” refers to the individual employed under section 3(e). A “child impact statement” is an analysis of the outcomes of changes in laws, policy, regulations, or Federal appropriations on children. The “Commission” refers to the Children’s Commission established by section 3(a). “Marginalized youth” are individuals aged 13 or older who experience systemic barriers transitioning to adulthood, including those facing discrimination, former foster youth, youth in the juvenile justice system, homeless youth, children with disabilities, and victims of exploitation. “Marginalized youth” also includes youth in troubled teen institutional settings and other youth identified by the Children's Commissioner.

What does ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION. of Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes the Children's Commission. The Commission will be composed of 15 members appointed by the Comptroller General, in consultation with the Board on Children, Youth, and Families. Membership qualifications include individuals with expertise in children's issues, representatives from nonprofit organizations, educators, childcare providers, and young people with lived experiences. The Commission membership should reflect a diverse range of professions, geographic locations, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and expertise in trauma-informed services. The Comptroller General must ensure that individuals directly involved in providing services to children do not constitute a majority of the Commission. A Children's Commissioner will be employed as the Commission's executive director, with a term of 5 years and limitations on subsequent terms. The Children's Commissioner is responsible for soliciting applications for Commission membership, consulting with relevant organizations, and facilitating children's voices in policy discussions.

What does DUTIES OF COMMISSION. of Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines the duties of the Commission. The Commission is tasked with promoting awareness of the views and interests of children and marginalized youth in the United States. It will receive and review complaints against agencies regarding their service to children. The Commission must incorporate diverse backgrounds and experiences of children in its work. It is authorized to advocate for child well-being in legislation, regulatory actions, and policy. The Commission will advise Congress, agencies, and States on the views of children and marginalized youth. It is required to develop proposals for changes in agency policies to improve child well-being. The Commission must monitor Federal, State, and local laws affecting children. It is expected to make reports on its research and considerations publicly available on its website. The Commission will conduct a study on the feasibility of child impact statements and report to Congress. The Commission will annually report to Congress on the status of recommendations from other relevant commissions.

What does POWERS OF COMMISSION. of Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2026 do?

The Commission has the power to hold hearings and collect evidence to carry out the Act. The Commission can request information from federal agencies, and agencies are obligated to provide it upon request from the Chairperson. The Commission is authorized to utilize existing data, conduct original research, and accept information submissions from interested parties. The Comptroller General has unrestricted access to the Commission's records and data. The Commission is subject to periodic audits by the Comptroller General. The Children's Commissioner can appear as amicus curiae in court cases reviewing agency rules or guidance regarding the effect on children. Courts must grant the Children's Commissioner's application to appear as amicus curiae in such cases. The Commission can use postal services and accept gifts or donations.

What does COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS. of Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines personnel matters for the Commission. Members of the Commission who are not federal employees are compensated at a rate equivalent to Level IV of the Executive Schedule. Commission members are allowed travel expenses at rates authorized for federal employees. The Children's Commissioner can appoint and terminate personnel without regard to competitive service rules. A Director of Children and Youth Outreach and Engagement will be appointed to incorporate the voices of children and youth. The Children's Commissioner can set compensation for appointed personnel, not exceeding Level V of the Executive Schedule. Federal government employees can be detailed to the Commission without affecting their civil service status. The Children's Commissioner can procure temporary and intermittent services at rates not exceeding the daily equivalent of Level V of the Executive Schedule.

What does DURATION OF COMMISSION. of Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2026 do?

This section states that Section 1013 of title 5, United States Code, does not apply to the Commission.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2026 do?

This section authorizes appropriations to the Commission for carrying out the Act. A total of $7,500,000 is authorized for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2034. Any appropriated sums will remain available until expended, regardless of fiscal year limitations.

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Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2026

Last updated: 6/11/2026 · Introduced: 6/11/2026

Author: Morgan McGarvey (D-KY)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes an independent Children's Commission composed of 15 members appointed by the Comptroller General to advocate for the well-being of children and marginalized youth.
The Commission will review complaints against agencies regarding their services to children and advise Congress and state entities on children's perspectives.
The Commission is authorized to conduct research, hold hearings, and request information from federal agencies to inform its recommendations and monitor laws affecting children.
The Children's Commissioner, serving as the Commission’s executive director, can appear as an amicus curiae in court cases concerning the impact of agency rules on children.
The bill authorizes $7.5 million in annual appropriations from 2027 through 2034 to fund the Commission’s operations and activities.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 7 more.

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