HF 2158

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 04/09/2015 12:47pm

A bill for an act
relating to human services; establishing the Minnesota Commission on
Fatherhood; requiring a report; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 245.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [245.996] MINNESOTA COMMISSION ON FATHERHOOD.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Membership. new text end

new text begin (a) The Minnesota Commission on Fatherhood
consists of 20 members representing the following categories:
new text end

new text begin (1) two members of the house of representatives, each representing different political
parties, appointed by the speaker of the house. One shall represent the seven-county
metropolitan area and one shall represent greater Minnesota;
new text end

new text begin (2) two members of the senate, each representing different political parties,
appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and
Administration. One shall represent the seven-county metropolitan area and one shall
represent greater Minnesota;
new text end

new text begin (3) the governor or the governor's designee;
new text end

new text begin (4) one representative of the judicial branch of government, appointed by the chief
justice of the Supreme Court;
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new text begin (5) the commissioners of health, human services, education, corrections,
employment and economic development, and veterans affairs, or their designees;
new text end

new text begin (6) six representatives of programs providing direct services to fathers and families.
Three shall be from the seven-county metropolitan area and three shall be from greater
Minnesota; and
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new text begin (7) two representatives who have received direct services from fatherhood-inclusive
programs. One shall be from the seven-county metropolitan area and one shall be from
greater Minnesota.
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new text begin (b) The commission shall annually elect a chair from among its members.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Removal; vacancies. new text end

new text begin The compensation, removal of members, and filling
of vacancies on the commission are as provided in section 15.075.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Mission. new text end

new text begin The commission shall work to enhance the well-being of
Minnesota's children by providing opportunities for fathers to become better parents,
partners, and providers.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin The commission shall:
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new text begin (1) maintain a Web site, organize a state summit on fatherhood, and conduct annual
statewide trainings;
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new text begin (2) identify and secure resources available to fund healthy fatherhood-family
programs and services;
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new text begin (3) support the creation of initiatives that increase public awareness of the important
roles of fathers, build the parenting skills of fathers, build parenting partnerships, provide
employment-related services to low-income fathers, prevent premature fatherhood, and
provide services to inmates of state and county correctional institutions so they can
maintain or reestablish relationships with their children;
new text end

new text begin (4) recommend to the governor, the legislature, the judicial branch, and the
commissioners of all state agencies legislation designed to improve economic stability,
foster responsible parenting, and promote healthy relationships; and
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new text begin (5) annually, prepare a report that describes the commission's expectations for the
outcome of fatherhood-related programs and initiatives, and the methods the commission
uses for measuring outcomes.
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new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Staff; funding. new text end

new text begin (a) The governor shall appoint an individual to serve as the
commission's executive director. The executive director shall serve at the pleasure of the
governor and shall report to the commissioner of human services.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commission may accept gifts, grants, donations, contributions, and other
funds from any public agency or private source to carry out the commission's duties.
All funds received by the commission shall be used solely to support the operation
of the commission.
new text end