Amends TCA Title 3 and Title 4, Chapter 29.

This bill recreates the commission on responsible fatherhood, which existed from 2000 to 2002. The stated purpose of the commission under this bill is to advise the general assembly on parenting matters and the effects of fatherlessness. This bill requires that the commission will operate without the use of state resources. Under this bill, the creation and operation of the commission is subject to the availability of funding through grants and private contributions. The commission may apply for grants and accept private contributions. The commission will be attached to the department of state for all administrative matters relating to receipts, disbursements, expense accounts, budget, audit, and other related items. The commission will consist of 17 members as follows: (A) Three senators appointed by the speaker of the senate, at least one of whom is nominated by members of the senate judiciary committee; (B) Three citizens, each residing in a different grand division, appointed by the speaker of the senate. The appointees must be knowledgeable on matters of fatherhood and family matters, and at least one must be nominated by Tennessee bar association; (C) Three representatives of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house, at least one of whom is nominated by members of the house children and family affairs subcommittee; (D) Three citizens, each residing in a different grand division and appointed by the speaker of the house. The appointees must be knowledgeable on matters of fatherhood and family matters, and at least one must be nominated by the Tennessee coalition to end domestic and sexual violence; (E) Three citizens appointed by the governor who are from at least one of the following: a faith community, child mental health expert with a doctorate degree, or the Tennessee dads against discrimination organization; (F) One member to represent the department of human services and the department of children's services, appointed jointly by the commissioners of human services and children's services; and (G) One judge appointed by the administrative office of the court. If nonstate funding is available, members of the commission will receive reimbursement for expenses in attending meetings of the commission or any subcommittee of the commission. Each legislative member appointed to the commission will continue to serve for the duration of the commission's existence as long as the member serves in the general assembly. This bill authorizes the commission to: (1) Create subcommittees as the commission deems necessary to carry out its functions; (2) Conduct meetings and public hearings across the state as is necessary; (3) Employ commission staff, subject to approval by both speakers; (4) Enter into contracts for technical or professional services, subject to approval by both speakers; and (5) Perform other duties as required by this bill or as may be requested by joint resolution of the general assembly. Under this bill, the commission's duties include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) Review current policies on fatherhood; (2) Study the issues that jeopardize the father-child bond; (3) Identify any new laws, regulations, programs, services, and budgetary priorities which are needed to ensure and promote the present and future health of the father-child bond to enable fathers to meet the needs of their children and promote respect of men and women in the family; and (4) Work in cooperation with local community-based prenatal and infant health care coalitions to advise these coalitions on their implementation of plans to increase the participation of responsible fathers in families. This bill requires the commission to publish an annual report by February 1 each year summarizing the commission's activities, findings, recommendations, proposals, and expenditures and provide a copy to each member of the general assembly. Upon completion of the duties assigned by this bill, the commission on responsible fatherhood must prepare and publish a final report and provide a copy to each member of the general assembly. This bill requires the commission to complete the assigned duties as soon as reasonably practicable, but no later than February 1, 2027, at which time the commission will cease to exist.