Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee |
SSB 5229
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Regarding the legislative youth advisory council.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Hobbs, Franklin, Tom, King, Pridemore, Kohl-Welles, Jacobsen, Kilmer and Shin).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/24/09
Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135)
Background:
In 2005 the Legislative Youth Advisory Council (Council) was established to provide an opportunity for students to be actively involved in government. The Council consists of 22 students between the ages of 14 and 18. Originally, the Council was to expire after two years.
The program is administered by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Duties of the Council consist of advising the Legislature on legislation, policy, and budget matters relating to youth; advising standing committees, commissions, and task forces on issues related to youth; conducting periodic seminars for its members on leadership, government, and the Legislature; and submitting annual reports to the Legislature with any recommendations for legislation. The Council meets between three and six times a year.
In the 2007 session, the process for determining members of the Council was changed from a selection process by legislators and the Governor to an application process. Interested students may apply by completing an online application and submitting it to the Council. The Council recommends applicants to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor for final selection, and the Lieutenant Governor notifies all the applicants of the final selections. The expiration date for the Council was extended for two additional years, until June 30, 2009.
Currently the Council may accept grants and donations from public and private sources to support the Council's activities. In the 2007-09 operating budget, $228,000 was provided to the OSPI for the operation of the Council.
Summary of Bill:
The Council is authorized to solicit, not merely accept, grants and donations from public and private sources to support its activities. The OSPI administration of the program and the Lieutenant Governor's selection process of the Council members must be done within existing staff and resources. The duties of the Council, including meetings and travel reimbursement, is contingent on sufficient funds being available from any source. The expiration date of June 30, 2009, is removed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.