BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 3284
	By: Frank et al. (King)
	Health & Human Services
	5/19/2025
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The role of a family has been the most significant building block for society. Because of this, the State of Texas should promote marriage and family formation. H.B. 3284 seeks to create the Texas Commission on Marriage and Family to identify laws, rules, and policies that may encourage and discourage Texans from marrying and raising children. This commission would be responsibly for studying and reporting on the effectiveness of state-funded programs that are designed to promote marriage and promote family formation as well as making recommendations to the legislature.

H.B. 3284 amends current law relating to the creation of the Texas Commission on Marriage and Family.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. DEFINITION. Defines "commission."

SECTION 2. FINDING. Provides that the legislature finds that:

(1) it is in the best interests of this state to promote lasting marriage and the practice of raising children in stable, two-parent households;

(2) Texas is required to promote evidence-based pathways to support strong and healthy family connections by reducing barriers that prevent Texans from marrying and raising children;

(3) certain state laws, rules, and policies may discourage the positive and desirable ends of marriage and family formation; and

(4) it is necessary to convene a Texas Commission on Marriage and Family (commission) to study and develop strategies to promote strong marriages and healthy families and identify state laws, rules, and policies that discourage Texans from marrying and raising children.

SECTION 3. PURPOSE. Provides that the commission is created to study and develop strategies for promoting strong marriages and healthy families and to make recommendations to the legislature to advance the goal of creating an environment in this state that is favorable for marriage and raising children.

SECTION 4. COMPOSITION. (a) Provides that the commission is composed of seven members appointed by certain individuals.

(b) Requires an appointing authority, in making the appointments under Subsection (a) of this section, to ensure the commission is composed of members with a certain background and demonstrated expertise in marriage and family formation.

SECTION 5. MEETINGS. (a) Requires the commission to meet at the call of the commission's presiding officer.

(b) Authorizes a meeting conducted under this section to be held in person, by telephone, or by other means of communication.

(d) Provides that a member of the commission serves without compensation but is entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in performing official duties.

SECTION 6. ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT. Requires the Health and Human Services Commission to provide administrative support services at the request of the commission, including the provision of meeting space and assistance in drafting and compiling the report required by this Act.

SECTION 7. DUTIES OF COMMISSION. Requires the commission to perform certain actions.

SECTION 8. APPOINTMENT. Requires the appropriate appointing authority, not later than the 60th day after the effective date of this Act, to appoint the members of the commission as required by this Act.

SECTION 9. REPORT. Requires the commission, not later than November 1, 2026, to submit to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and each member of the legislature a written report that includes a summary of the commission's findings and any legislative recommendations.

SECTION 10. EXPIRATION. Provides that the commission is abolished and this Act expires December 31, 2026.

SECTION 11. EFFECTIVE DATE. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2025.

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