SB 5254 -
By Representative Haigh
ADOPTED 04/13/2005
Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:
"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1 A new section is added to chapter 28A.300
RCW to read as follows:
(1) The legislative youth advisory council is established to
examine issues of importance to youth, including but not limited to
education, employment, strategies to increase youth participation in
state and municipal government, safe environments for youth, substance
abuse, emotional and physical health, foster care, poverty,
homelessness, and youth access to services on a statewide and municipal
basis.
(2) The council consists of twenty-two members as provided in this
subsection who, at the time of appointment, are aged fourteen to
eighteen. The council shall select a chair from among its members.
(a) Five members shall be selected by each of the two major
caucuses in the senate, appointed by the secretary of the senate.
(b) Five members shall be selected by each of the two major
caucuses in the house of representatives, appointed by the chief clerk
of the house of representatives.
(c) The governor shall appoint two members.
(3) Except for initial members, members shall serve two-year terms,
and if eligible, may be reappointed for subsequent two-year terms.
One-half of the initial members shall be appointed to one-year terms,
and these appointments shall be made in such a way as to preserve
overall representation on the committee.
(4) The council shall have the following duties:
(a) Advising the legislature on proposed and pending legislation,
including state budget expenditures and policy matters relating to
youth;
(b) Advising the standing committees of the legislature and study
commissions, committees, and task forces regarding issues relating to
youth;
(c) Conducting periodic seminars for its members regarding
leadership, government, and the legislature; and
(d) Reporting annually by December 1 to the legislature on its
activities, including proposed legislation that implements
recommendations of the council.
(5) In carrying out its duties under subsection (4) of this
section, the council may meet at least three times but not more than
six times per year, including not more than two public hearings on
issues of importance to youth.
(6) Members shall be reimbursed as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and
43.03.060.
(7) The office of superintendent of public instruction shall
provide administration, coordination, and facilitation assistance to
the council. The senate and house of representatives may provide
policy and fiscal briefings and assistance with drafting proposed
legislation. The senate and the house of representatives shall each
develop internal policies relating to staff assistance provided to the
council. Such policies may include applicable internal personnel and
practices guidelines, resource use and expense reimbursement
guidelines, and applicable ethics mandates. Provision of funds,
resources, and staff, as well as the assignment and direction of staff,
remains at all times within the sole discretion of the chamber making
the provision.
(8) The office of superintendent of public instruction, the
legislature, any agency of the legislature, and any official or
employee of such office or agency are immune from liability for any
injury that is incurred by or caused by a member of the youth advisory
council and that occurs while the member of the council is performing
duties of the council or is otherwise engaged in activities or
receiving services for which reimbursement is allowed under subsection
(6) of this section. The immunity provided by this subsection does not
apply to an injury intentionally caused by the act or omission of an
employee or official of the superintendent of public instruction or the
legislature or any agency of the legislature.
(9) This section expires June 30, 2007."
Correct the title.
EFFECT: The amendment establishes a minimum age of fourteen for
appointment to the Council and clarifies that youth appointed to the
Council must be between the ages of fourteen to eighteen at the time of
appointment. The report date is changed from February 15th to December
1st. The amendment clarifies that the Council may meet a maximum of
six times per year for all activities including public hearings,
meetings, and seminars.
The amendment requires the Office of Superintendent of Public
Instruction (OSPI) to provide administration, coordination, and
facilitation assistance to the Council. The Senate and House of
Representatives are authorized to provide policy and fiscal briefings
and assistance with drafting proposed legislation. The OSPI and the
Legislature are granted immunity from liability for injury incurred or
caused by a member of the Council while involved in activities of the
Council.
The act is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2007.