summary
Introduced
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
In Committee
02/10/2026
02/10/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Commission on Strengthening Fathers and Families Act. Provides that the purpose of the Act is to promote the recognition of the importance of the participation of both parents in the lives of their children. Creates the Strengthening Fathers and Families Initiative (Initiative) with the goal of increasing the awareness of the problems created when a child grows up without the presence and support of a caring and loving father, identifying strategies that are successful in overcoming identified obstacles that discourage the active engagement of fathers, and other specified goals. Requires the Initiative to also promote positive interactions between fathers and their children, while promoting positive interactions between fathers and the mothers of their children. Creates the Commission on Strengthening Fathers and Families to carry out the purposes, goals, and initiatives of the Act. Contains provisions on the Commission's membership, goals, and duties, including, but not limited to, (i) developing a comprehensive plan that promotes the positive involvement and engagement of fathers and that advances family strengthening strategies, (ii) evaluating State programs, governmental policies, and community initiatives related to fatherhood and family strengthening, (iii) making recommendations to the Governor, the Deputy Governor of Health and Human Services, and the General Assembly, (iv) developing criteria for grants to fatherhood and family strengthening projects, and (v) receiving grants, contributions, and other funds for projects and activities related to advancing father involvement and engagement, and family strengthening. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall provide staffing support to the Commission. Creates the Fatherhood and Family Strengthening Fund to hold grants, contributions, and other funds received by the Commission to be expended for the purposes of the Act. Amends the State Finance Act to add the Fatherhood and Family Strengthening Fund to the list of State funds.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the "Commission on Strengthening Fathers and Families Act," establishes a new commission and initiative aimed at recognizing and promoting the vital role of both parents in a child's life, regardless of marital status or family structure. The Strengthening Fathers and Families Initiative (Initiative) will focus on raising awareness about the challenges children face without a father's presence, identifying successful strategies to overcome obstacles to father involvement, and fostering positive interactions between fathers and their children, as well as between fathers and the mothers of their children. The Commission on Strengthening Fathers and Families will be responsible for implementing these goals by developing a comprehensive plan for father engagement and family strengthening, evaluating existing state programs and policies, making recommendations to state officials, and establishing criteria for grants to support fatherhood and family strengthening projects. The Commission will be composed of a diverse group of members, with at least 50% being parents, and will receive staffing support from the Department of Human Services. Funds for these initiatives will be held in a newly created Fatherhood and Family Strengthening Fund, which will accept grants and contributions.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Assigned to Appropriations (on 02/10/2026)
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