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

This bill aims to establish an independent Children's Commission and a position of Commissioner. The bill's stated purpose is '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 having the meaning given in section 551 of title 5, United States Code. “Child” is defined as an individual from birth up to age 18. “Children's Commissioner” refers to the individual employed under section 3(e). A “child impact statement” is defined as an analysis of the outcomes of changes in laws, policy, regulations, or Federal appropriations on children. “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 who have experienced discrimination, are former foster youth, are in the juvenile justice system, are homeless, have disabilities, or are 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 at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 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 children's services do not constitute a majority of the Commission. A Children's Commissioner will be employed as the Commission's executive director, subject to certain restrictions regarding prior employment with for-profit entities. The Children's Commissioner will solicit applications for Commission membership, consult with relevant organizations, and carry out other duties as outlined. The Commission shall meet at least four times per year, with at least one meeting focusing on children's voices.

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 varied backgrounds and experiences of children, including perspectives across various demographics. It is responsible for advocating for child well-being in Federal legislation and policy. The Commission will advise Congress, agencies, and States on the views of children and marginalized youth. It will 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 required to make reports publicly available on its website, potentially including versions accessible to children. The Commission will conduct a study on the feasibility of child impact statements and report to Congress.

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 related to 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. The Commission may utilize existing information, both published and unpublished, where possible.

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 without regard to General Schedule pay rates, but not exceeding Level V of the Executive Schedule. Federal Government employees can be detailed to the Commission without loss of civil service status. The Children's Commissioner may 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 to carry out the Act. A total of $7,500,000 is authorized for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2034. Any sums appropriated under this section remain available until expended, without fiscal year limitation.

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Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2026

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

Author: Edward Markey (D-MA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes an independent Children's Commission composed of 15 members appointed by the Comptroller General to advocate for children's well-being.
The Commission will promote awareness of children's and marginalized youth's views and interests, and review complaints against agencies regarding their services to children.
The Commission is authorized to conduct studies, request information from federal agencies, and appear as amicus curiae in court cases related to children’s issues.
A Children's Commissioner will serve as the Commission's executive director, responsible for personnel appointments and incorporating children's voices into the Commission's work.
The bill authorizes $7,500,000 in annual appropriations from 2027 through 2034 to fund the Commission's operations.

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

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