Bill · S. 4763· Senate(119-S-4763)
Child Safety and Well-Being Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 6/11/2026
- Last activity
- 6/11/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Sponsored by
- Edward Markey
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 0
- 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 by reviewing government policies and advocating for child well-being. The Commission will monitor laws, receive complaints about agency services, and advise Congress and states. It is composed of 15 members with diverse professional and lived experiences. The Act also authorizes funding for the Commission from 2027 through 2034.
Yes· 3 of 39
Would children be better off under this?+10
The entire purpose of the bill is to promote the well-being and interests of children.
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?+7
The bill focuses specifically on marginalized youth transitioning from adolescence to adulthood.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+6
The bill requires consultation with Indian Tribes and monitors the Commission on Native Children.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-1
The bill authorizes new government spending of $7.5 million annually.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-1
The bill creates a new government entity and authorizes funding for it.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Advocacy for Vulnerable Youth: The bill specifically focuses on "marginalized youth," including those in foster care, the juvenile justice system, homeless youth, and victims of trafficking, to help them transition to adulthood (Section 2(7) and Section 4(a)(5)).
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Direct Accountability for Agencies: The Commission serves as a central location for the public to file complaints, criticisms, or suggestions regarding how government agencies serve children (Section 4(a)(2)).
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Inclusion of Children's Voices: The bill requires the Commission to incorporate children's perspectives in meetings and empowers the Commissioner to reach out directly to children to understand their needs (Section 3(d)(3) and Section 3(e)(3)(F)).
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Improved Access to Information: The Commission will work to disseminate information about Federal programs that benefit children in an accessible format and will provide alternative report versions using language appropriate for children (Section 4(a)(12) and Section 4(f)).
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Legal Representation in Court: The Children's Commissioner can appear as an amicus curiae in U.S. courts to present the Commission's views on how agency rules or guidance affect children (Section 5(f)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Spending of Taxpayer Funds: The bill authorizes the appropriation of $7,500,000 for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2034 to fund the Commission (Section 8(a)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+10Good For Young Adults+7Good For Native Americans+6Good For People With Disabilities+6Good For African Americans+5Good For Asian Americans+5Good For Hispanic Americans+5Good For Immigrants+5Good For L G B T Q Community+5Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Students+5Good For Rural Residents+3Good For Urban Residents+3Good For Men+2Good For Middle Class Households+2Good For White Americans+2Good For Women+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+4Improves Racial Equity+4Improves Gender Equality+3Improves L G B T Q Rights+3Improves Poverty Reduction+3Reduces Homelessness+3Improves Affordable Housing+2Improves Childcare Affordability+2Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform+2Improves Pathway To Citizenship+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Improves Due Process+2Increases Federal Power+1
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+2Improves Mental Health Access+2Increases Research Funding+1
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending-1Reduces National Debt-1
- Education And Technology
- Improves College Affordability+1Increases Scientific Research Funding+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+1Improves Rural Development+1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Diplomatic Engagement+1Improves International Alliances+1
- 6/11/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Elizabeth WarrenDemocrat · Massachusetts