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Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4763| Senate 
| Updated: 6/11/2026
Edward J. Markey

Edward J. Markey

Democratic Senator

Massachusetts

Cosponsors (4)
Adam B. Schiff (Democratic)Elizabeth Warren (Democratic)Ben Ray Luján (Democratic)Chris Van Hollen (Democratic)

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The "Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2026" establishes an independent Children's Commission and the position of Children's Commissioner to champion the interests of children and marginalized youth in the United States. This Commission will consist of 15 members appointed by the Comptroller General, drawing from diverse backgrounds including scholars, advocates, medical professionals, educators, and young people with lived experiences, ensuring broad representation. The Children's Commissioner, serving as the executive director, will lead the Commission's efforts for a 5-year term, with a focus on outreach and engagement with children. The Commission's primary duties include promoting awareness of children's views, receiving and reviewing complaints against agencies regarding their services to children, and advocating for child well-being in federal legislation, regulations, and policy. It is tasked with examining how federal actions affect marginalized youth and their transition to adulthood, and advising Congress, agencies, and states on these matters. The Commission will also develop proposals for policy changes, conduct research, and publish reports on issues impacting children. Furthermore, the Commission will monitor federal, state, and local laws affecting children, represent their views before Congress and agencies, and disseminate information about federal programs. It aims to encourage greater civic participation among children and youth, empowering their voices in public policy discussions. The Commission will also recommend specific measures to create an environment where all children can thrive, coordinating with state and local children's ombudsmen and examining international issues. In carrying out its functions, the Commission must consider various aspects of children's lives, including physical and mental health, education, social and economic well-being, and the impact of social determinants and inequities. It will review agency reports and federal regulations, providing comments and recommendations to Congress and agencies. All reports and findings will be made publicly available, with child-friendly versions provided where appropriate, to ensure accessibility for children, parents, and policymakers. The Children's Commissioner also has the power to appear as amicus curiae in court to present the Commission's views on how agency rules affect children.
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Timeline
Jun 11, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-9287
Introduced in House
Jun 11, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Jun 11, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  • June 11, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-9287
    Introduced in House


  • June 11, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 11, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Families

Related Bills

  • HR 119-9287: Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2026

Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4763| Senate 
| Updated: 6/11/2026
The "Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2026" establishes an independent Children's Commission and the position of Children's Commissioner to champion the interests of children and marginalized youth in the United States. This Commission will consist of 15 members appointed by the Comptroller General, drawing from diverse backgrounds including scholars, advocates, medical professionals, educators, and young people with lived experiences, ensuring broad representation. The Children's Commissioner, serving as the executive director, will lead the Commission's efforts for a 5-year term, with a focus on outreach and engagement with children. The Commission's primary duties include promoting awareness of children's views, receiving and reviewing complaints against agencies regarding their services to children, and advocating for child well-being in federal legislation, regulations, and policy. It is tasked with examining how federal actions affect marginalized youth and their transition to adulthood, and advising Congress, agencies, and states on these matters. The Commission will also develop proposals for policy changes, conduct research, and publish reports on issues impacting children. Furthermore, the Commission will monitor federal, state, and local laws affecting children, represent their views before Congress and agencies, and disseminate information about federal programs. It aims to encourage greater civic participation among children and youth, empowering their voices in public policy discussions. The Commission will also recommend specific measures to create an environment where all children can thrive, coordinating with state and local children's ombudsmen and examining international issues. In carrying out its functions, the Commission must consider various aspects of children's lives, including physical and mental health, education, social and economic well-being, and the impact of social determinants and inequities. It will review agency reports and federal regulations, providing comments and recommendations to Congress and agencies. All reports and findings will be made publicly available, with child-friendly versions provided where appropriate, to ensure accessibility for children, parents, and policymakers. The Children's Commissioner also has the power to appear as amicus curiae in court to present the Commission's views on how agency rules affect children.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jun 11, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-9287
Introduced in House
Jun 11, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Jun 11, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  • June 11, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-9287
    Introduced in House


  • June 11, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 11, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Edward J. Markey

Edward J. Markey

Democratic Senator

Massachusetts

Cosponsors (4)
Adam B. Schiff (Democratic)Elizabeth Warren (Democratic)Ben Ray Luján (Democratic)Chris Van Hollen (Democratic)

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Families

Related Bills

  • HR 119-9287: Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2026
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted