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Give Voters a Say on Creating a Child Welfare Commission

Official:Providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation of the Philadelphia Child Welfare Commission; and authorizing and directing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.

Sponsors: Councilmember Ahmad, Councilmember Phillips, Councilmember Gauthier, Councilmember Thomas, Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Landau, Councilmember Lozada, Councilmember Brooks, Councilmember Harrity, Councilmember Driscoll, Councilmember Squilla

Introduced: February 5, 2026

Voted: June 4, 2026

: Committee on Law and Government

government referendum social services

Plain-Language Summary

This bill proposes a referendum to create a Philadelphia Child Welfare Commission and authorizes city officials to prepare for the special election.

What This Bill Does

AI-written. Every figure is checked against the bill text.

Submits a proposal to amend the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to create a Philadelphia Child Welfare Commission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia for approval or disapproval.
Places a specific question on the ballot for the November 3, 2026 election, asking voters to approve or disapprove the creation of the Philadelphia Child Welfare Commission and the authority for City Council to determine its composition, powers, and duties.
Directs the Clerk of Council to certify the ordinance and resolution to the Board of Elections within five days of the ordinance becoming law.
Requires the Clerk of Council to have the question and resolution printed in pamphlet form for distribution to voters.

Both Sides

AI-written arguments. Every figure is checked against the bill text.

The case for

The creation of the Philadelphia Child Welfare Commission would give a unified voice to the city's efforts to support children and families, allowing for a more coordinated and effective response to the city's most pressing child welfare issues. This commission would have the authority to oversee and guide various city agencies and programs, ultimately benefiting vulnerable children and families who are at risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. By giving voters a direct say in the creation of this commission, the City Council is putting the power in the hands of the people to shape the future of child welfare services in Philadelphia.

The case against

This bill will obligate the City of Philadelphia to incur costs associated with certifying the ordinance and printing the question and resolution for the ballot, burdening taxpayers and local resources. This expense will be incurred with little to no public input or oversight, as the creation of the Child Welfare Commission and its powers and duties will be decided by City Council without prior review or debate by the qualified electors. By placing a single question on the ballot, voters will be asked to approve or disapprove the entire proposal, rather than having the opportunity to provide input on the specific composition, powers, and duties of the Commission.

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