Title: An act relating to a legislative youth advisory council.

Brief Description: Creating the legislative youth advisory council.

Sponsors: Senators Jacobsen, Rasmussen, Franklin, McAuliffe and Kohl-Welles.

Brief History:

State Government Operations & Accountability: 3/18/05, 4/1/05 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ACCOUNTABILITY

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 5 members: Representatives Haigh, Chair; Green, Vice Chair; Hunt, McDermott and Miloscia.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Nixon, Ranking Minority Member; and Clements, Assistant Ranking Minority Member.

Staff: Hannah Lidman (786-7291) and Marsha Reilly (786-7135).

Background:

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, several states have implemented youth councils, legislative youth advisory boards, or youth cabinets to advise their state legislative and executive branches on issues affecting youth. These states are California, Maine, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and New York.

Summary of Bill:

A Legislative Youth Advisory Council (Council) is established to examine issues of importance to youth, including education, employment, civic engagement, and health.

The Council is responsible for the following duties:

• 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 seminars for its members on leadership, government, and the Legislature; and
• reporting annually with any recommendations for legislation.

The Council has 22 members aged 18 and under. Each of the two major caucuses in the Senate selects five members who are appointed by the Secretary of the Senate. Each of the two major caucuses in the House of Representatives selects five members who are appointed by the Chief Clerk of the House. Two members are appointed by the Governor. Members serve two-year terms.

The Council shall meet between three and six times a year, including up to two public hearings. Members will be reimbursed for expenses and will receive staff assistance from legislative staff.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: The Council gives a voice to youth in state government, a chance to express their views, and experience with leadership. Youth have good ideas that should be considered particularly when legislation directly affects youth. The cost of the Council is a small price to pay for ensuring strong leadership in the future. Experience should not be a criteria for membership on the Council. The Council should meet at least a couple of times during the legislative session for review of bills. The Council fits well with the state's civic education plan. Citizenship is best learned by doing and the Council provides an excellent chance for education in this area.

Testimony Against: None.

Persons Testifying: Senator Jacobsen, prime sponsor; Senator McAuliffe, co-sponsor; Greg Williamson, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction; Alex Jonlin; and Mollie Holmberg, Karisa Gurtiza, Kelsey Gurtiza, and Alex Knestner, First District Youth Council.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.