A Democratic bill with 13 Democratic cosponsors · See all 13 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2026" creates an independent Children's Commission and a Children's Commissioner. This body is designed to promote the interests of children and marginalized youth in the United States. The Commission will review federal policies, receive complaints about agency services, and advise Congress and states on child well-being. It also includes provisions for research, public reporting, and the potential study of "child impact statements."
Yes· 3 of 33
- Scored +10
Would children be better off under this?
The entire bill is dedicated to promoting the interests and well-being of children.
- Scored +7
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
The bill specifically focuses on marginalized youth and their transition into adulthood.
- Scored +5
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
Focuses heavily on marginalized youth, including those from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?
The bill authorizes new spending of $7.5 million annually from 2027 to 2034.
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill creates a new government entity and authorizes additional federal spending.
- Scored -1
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?
It introduces new recurring appropriations for a new agency.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Advocacy for Marginalized Youth: The bill specifically focuses on "marginalized youth," including those in foster care, the juvenile justice system, and victims of trafficking, to ensure their needs are addressed in policy (Sec. 2(7), Sec. 4(a)(5)).
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Direct Voice for Children: The Commission is required to incorporate children's perspectives in its meetings and appoint a Director of Children and Youth Outreach and Engagement to ensure youth voices are heard (Sec. 3(d)(3), Sec. 6(c)(2)).
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Accountability for Agencies: The Commission serves as a central location for the public to submit complaints, criticisms, or suggestions regarding how governmental entities serve children (Sec. 4(a)(2)).
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Expert Guidance: By including pediatricians, psychologists, educators, and those with lived experience, the Commission brings specialized expertise to federal policy discussions (Sec. 3(b)(2)(A)).
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Transparency: Reports issued by the Commission must be made publicly available on its website, with alternative versions written in language appropriate for children (Sec. 4(e), Sec. 4(f)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Cost to Taxpayers: The bill authorizes the appropriation of $7,500,000 for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2034 (Sec. 8(a)).
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Potential for Bureaucratic Delay: The bill requires the Commission to review federal regulations and agency reports, which adds another layer of commentary and review to the governmental process (Sec. 4(c), Sec. 4(d)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would children be better off under this? — The entire bill is dedicated to promoting the interests and well-being of children. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The bill specifically focuses on marginalized youth and their transition into adulthood. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Focuses heavily on marginalized youth, including those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — Includes mandates to consult with Indian Tribes and review recommendations from the Commission on Native Children. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — Children with disabilities are specifically designated as marginalized youth for advocacy. Would students be better off under this? — The Commission considers K-12 and higher education as part of child well-being. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The bill prioritizes marginalized youth and mandates racial and ethnic representation on the Commission. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — The bill prioritizes marginalized youth and mandates racial and ethnic representation on the Commission. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill prioritizes marginalized youth and mandates racial and ethnic representation on the Commission. Would immigrants be better off under this? — Includes immigration status as a key consideration for the Commission's work. Would LGBTQ people be better off under this? — Explicitly includes sexual orientation and gender identity in its focus on marginalized youth. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Mandates rural representation on the Commission. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Mandates urban representation on the Commission. Would white Americans be better off under this? — Generally benefits children of all backgrounds through improved federal policy oversight.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — Children with disabilities are specifically listed as marginalized youth to be advocated for. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The Commission is mandated to incorporate perspectives across racial and ethnic boundaries and support marginalized youth. Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated? — The bill focuses on protections for marginalized youth regardless of sex. Does this expand the rights of LGBTQ people? — The bill explicitly includes sexual orientation and gender identity in its definition of marginalized youth to be protected. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The Commission is tasked with examining socioeconomic status and the social and economic well-being of children. Does this make housing cost less? — Homeless and runaway youth are specifically identified as a priority for the Commission. Does this make child care cost less? — The Commission includes childcare providers and considers social and economic well-being of children. Does this shorten or soften prison sentences? — The bill specifically advocates for youth in the juvenile justice system. Is this likely to reduce homelessness? — The bill prioritizes advocacy for homeless and runaway youth.
- Healthcare
- Does this put more money into medical research? — The Commission is authorized to carry out or award grants for original research on child well-being. Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The Commission advocates for child well-being and physical health of children. Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The Commission is tasked with considering the mental health and emotional well-being of children.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The Commission serves as a central location for complaints and must make its reports publicly available. Does this give the federal government more power? — Creates a new independent federal commission with oversight and advisory powers over agencies.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — It introduces new recurring appropriations for a new agency. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill creates a new government entity and authorizes additional federal spending. Does this reduce what the federal government owes? — The bill authorizes new spending of $7.5 million annually from 2027 to 2034.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill authorizes funding for original research into child well-being.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster? — The Commission will review recommendations from the National Commission on Children and Disasters. Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill mandates a balance between urban and rural representation on the Commission.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — The bill encourages international coordination on issues impacting children. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The Commission is encouraged to collaborate with children's commissioners in other countries.
- 10/1/2026
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- 6/11/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 8 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Suzanne BonamiciDemocrat · Oregon
Judy ChuDemocrat · California
Rosa DeLauroDemocrat · Connecticut
Suzan DelBeneDemocrat · Washington
Jimmy GomezDemocrat · California
Daniel GoldmanDemocrat · New York
Sara JacobsDemocrat · California
Julie JohnsonDemocrat · Texas
Summer LeeDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Rashida TlaibDemocrat · Michigan
Nikema WilliamsDemocrat · Georgia
Bonnie Watson ColemanDemocrat · New Jersey