Chapter 7A. Commission on Fathers, Men and Boys.

§ 3–731. Commission on Fathers, Men, and Boys.

The Commission on Fathers, Men, and Boys (“Commission”) is established to advise the Mayor, the Council, and the public on issues and needs of fathers, men, and boys in the District of Columbia.

(Feb. 26, 2015, D.C. Law 20-155, § 1072, 61 DCR 9990.)

Emergency Legislation

For temporary (90 days) addition of chapter, see §§ 1072-1074 of the Fiscal Year 2015 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2014 (D.C. Act 20-377, July 14, 2014, 61 DCR 7598, 20 STAT 3696).

For temporary (90 days) addition of chapter, see §§ 1072-1074 of the Fiscal Year 2015 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2014 (D.C. Act 20-449, October 10, 2014, 61 DCR 10915, 20 STAT 4188).

For temporary (90 days) addition of chapter, see §§ 1072-1074 of the Fiscal Year 2015 Budget Support Second Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2014 (D.C. Act 20-566, January 9, 2015, 62 DCR 884, 21 STAT 541).

§ 3–732. Commission members; qualifications; terms of office; removal.

(a) The Commission shall consist of 12 members nominated by the Mayor and subject to the consent of the Council in accordance with § 1-523.01(f). The makeup of the Commission shall reflect the demographics of the District and shall include prominent business and community leaders and individuals certified in fatherhood training or having documented experience working directly with issues of particular interest and concern to fathers, men, and boys.

(b) Members of the Commission shall be residents of the District.

(c) Members shall be appointed to serve terms of 4 years and shall serve until their successors are appointed. A member of the Commission may be reappointed but may serve no more than 2 consecutive terms.

(d) Whenever a vacancy occurs on the Commission, the Mayor shall, within 90 business days of the vacancy, appoint a successor to fill the unexpired portion of the term.

(e) The Mayor shall designate, from among the members appointed, the Chairman, who shall serve in that capacity at the pleasure of the Mayor.

(f) All members of the Commission shall serve without compensation except that expenses incurred by the Commission as a whole, or by a group of its members, shall become an obligation against appropriated District funds designated for that purpose.

(g) The Mayor may remove, after notice and hearing, any member of the Commission for neglect of duty, incompetence, misconduct, or malfeasance in office.

§ 3–733. Duties of the Commission.

(a) The Commission shall:

(1) Serve as an advocate for fathers, men, and boys residing in the District by advising and making recommendations to the Mayor and the Council concerning the needs of District residents related to or concerning fathers, men, and boys;

(2) Research, review, maintain, and disseminate empirical data, statistics, and facts concerning or attributable to fatherhood and family social economic issues;

(3) Stimulate and encourage the dialogue of responsible fatherhood and spur community initiatives to combat fatherlessness;

(4) Prepare and recommend to the Mayor and the Council an annual plan of programs and services focused on issues directly related to fathers, men, and boys;

(5) Work with District agencies, the private sector, and local communities to promote a healthier societal impact on fathers, men, and boys; and

(6) Nominate special advisors to serve and provide technical and expert advice on specific and particular matters relevant to the functions of the Commission.

(b) The Commission shall devise policies and procedures that will effectively address the social economic concerns of fathers, men, and boys, including:

(1) Employment;

(2) Poverty;

(3) Fatherlessness and responsible fatherhood;

(4) Family law;

(5) Health and well-being; and

(6) Rehabilitation and reintegration.

(c) The Commission may apply for and receive grants to fund programs and initiatives in accordance with procedures relating to grants management, District government statutes, regulations, Mayor’s Orders, and procedures as specified by the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, the Office of Partnerships and Grant Services, and the Office of Contracting and Procurement and to recommend to the Mayor and Council applications for federal grants-in-aid for fatherhood, children, and family initiatives.

(d) The Commission may accept private gifts and donations to carry out the purposes of this chapter in compliance with the procedures and requirements of the Office of Partnerships and Grant Services.