Brief Description: Creating the legislative youth advisory council.

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

Hearing Date: 3/18/05

Staff: Hannah Lidman (786-7291).

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 twenty-two members aged eighteen 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.