The bill establishes the Washington State Commission on Boys and Men, which will operate under the office of the governor. The commission's focus areas include mental and physical health, education, financial well-being, fatherhood, and the evaluation of the preschool-to-prison pipeline, among others. An executive director, appointed by the governor, will oversee the commission and its staff. The commission will consist of 11 nonlegislative voting members appointed by various legislative leaders and the governor, ensuring diverse representation and expertise in the relevant focus areas. Additionally, there will be four nonvoting legislative members serving in an advisory capacity.
The commission is tasked with several duties, including providing a clearinghouse for information on state legislation, identifying the specific needs of boys and men, and submitting biennial reports to the legislature and governor. It will also consult with state agencies, hold public hearings, and advocate for the removal of barriers affecting boys and men. The commission is authorized to solicit and receive funding from public and private sources, which must be used for projects not funded by the legislature. The bill adds a new chapter to Title 43 RCW, encompassing these provisions.