HF 2158

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 03/11/2021 02:46pm

A bill for an act
relating to family law; creating the Commission on Fatherhood; requiring an annual
report on issues related to family relationships and economic stability; appropriating
money for the Commission on Fatherhood.

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

Section 1. new text begin COMMISSION ON FATHERHOOD.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Creation and duties. new text end

new text begin (a) A Commission on Fatherhood is established
and consists of 12 members. Members must be appointed by August 1, 2021.
new text end

new text begin (b) The Commission on Fatherhood must examine:
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new text begin (1) how to enhance the well-being of children by providing opportunities for fathers to
become better parents, partners, and providers;
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new text begin (2) the potential for improved economic stability when fathers have stable and adequate
employment;
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new text begin (3) how to improve access to skills-based classes and provide mentors to fathers; and
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new text begin (4) how to promote healthy relationships through conflict resolution and communication
skills.
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new text begin (c) The Commission on Fatherhood must (1) engage community and local government
leaders, (2) develop policy and funding recommendations, and (3) share the recommendations
in a report with the house of representatives and senate committees having jurisdiction over
judiciary, civil law, and human services. The report must be submitted no later than February
15 each year.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Membership. new text end

new text begin (a) The Commission on Fatherhood consists of the following
individuals or the individuals' designees:
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new text begin (1) two members of the senate, one appointed by the majority leader and one appointed
by the minority leader;
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new text begin (2) two members of the house of representatives, one appointed by the speaker of the
house and one appointed by the minority leader;
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new text begin (3) the commissioner of the Department of Human Services;
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new text begin (4) the commissioner of economic development;
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new text begin (5) one representative from the judicial branch, appointed by the chief justice of the
supreme court; and
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new text begin (6) five representatives from the public who work with or for father-focused nonprofits,
legal nonprofit organizations, and nonprofit organizations working to help employ fathers,
appointed by the governor.
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new text begin (b) Members of the commission serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority or until
the commission expires. Vacancies in commissioner-appointed positions must be filled by
the commissioner consistent with the qualifications of the vacating member required by
this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Officers; meetings. new text end

new text begin (a) The commission members must annually elect a chair
and vice-chair from among the commission's members and may elect other officers as
necessary. The commission must meet at least quarterly, or upon the call of its chair, and
may hold meetings throughout the state. The commission must meet frequently enough to
accomplish the tasks identified in this section, but must meet at least four times each year.
Meetings of the commission are subject to Minnesota Statutes, chapter 13D. The commission
must seek out and enlist the cooperation and assistance of nongovernmental organizations,
community and advocacy organizations working with fathers, and academic researchers
and experts that specialize in providing education and research to assist fathers.
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new text begin (b) The commissioner of human services must convene the first meeting of the
commission no later than September 30, 2021. The Legislative Coordinating Commission
must provide meeting space and administrative assistance as necessary for the commission
to conduct its work.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin The commission must report to the chairs and ranking minority members
of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over judiciary, family law, and human services
on the work of the commission, including but not limited to the issues to be examined in
subdivision 1, and must include in the report policy recommendations and funding proposals.
The report must be submitted to the legislative committees by February 15 each year.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Expiration. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, the commission
expires March 15, 2023.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin FUNDING FOR THE COMMISSION ON FATHERHOOD;
APPROPRIATION.
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new text begin $50,000 in fiscal year 2022 and $50,000 in fiscal year 2023 are appropriated from the
general fund to the Legislative Coordinating Commission to implement section 1 relating
to the Commission on Fatherhood. Unexpended funds from fiscal year 2022 do not cancel
and may be spent in fiscal year 2023.
new text end