HB 1052

HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1052

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.

As Reported by House Committee On:
State Government & Tribal Affairs

Sponsors: Representatives Upthegrove, Hudgins, Pedersen, P. Sullivan, Wallace and Morris.

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Hunt, Chair; Appleton, Vice Chair; Chandler, Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Green, Kretz, McDermott, Miloscia and Ormsby.

Background:

In 2005, the Legislative Youth Advisory Council (Council) was established to examine issues of importance to youth, including education, employment, civic engagement, and health. The Council has 22 members and members must be between the ages of 14 and 18 years.

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.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction administers the program. The program expires June 30, 2007.

Summary of Substitute Bill:

Four legislative members shall serve on the council in an advisory capacity. Two members, one from each caucus, are appointed by the President of the Senate, and two members, one from each caucus, are appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Council is authorized to solicit and accept grants and donations from public and private sources to support the activities of the Council. The minimum age requirement for participation on the Council is changed from 14 to 12 years. The expiration date is removed.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill stipulates that legislative members be appointed to represent each caucus in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The Legislative Youth Advisory Council is an opportunity for those citizens who are not old enough to vote to participate in the process. The Council recommends that the minimum age limit be lowered from 14 to 12 years, that it be authorized to accept grants and donations, and that legislative members be represented on the Council to better communicate Council priorities and allow for better access to the Legislature. The priorities identified by the Council include this bill, changing the Washington Assessment of Student Learning requirements for the class of 2008, provisional voting for 16 year olds, and a later school start time.

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction supports the bill as it allows youth to participate in the legislative environment.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Upthegrove, prime sponsor; Kate Berry and Alex Jonlin, Washington State Legislative Youth Advisory Council; and Isabel Munoz-Colon, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

(Opposed) None.