Bill > A4375

Introduced Session

This bill makes changes to the Legislative Youth Council to create flexibility and provide long-term support. The bill: Directs the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to establish a Legislative Youth Council in collaboration with a college or university located in this State, for the engagement of youth in this State in the democratic process. Directs the college or university selected by the Secretary to provide support to council members so they can more effectively undertake their responsibilities and provide input to policymakers. Directs the college or university to designate a coordinator for the council to manage the day to day functions, including arranging for guest speakers and for opportunities to observe policymakers. Establishes a stipend, in an amount to be determined by the Secretary, for the coordinator. Removes the requirement that the members study particular subject areas, allowing the council to adapt over time and research issues of greatest concern to them as representatives of the youth in this State. Removes the requirement that the council provide regular reports to the Legislature on particular subjects but instead only requires that the coordinator report to the Legislature and the Secretary of Higher Education on the activities of the council once every two years. Aligns the term of the members with the two-year legislative term for overlap with the schedule of legislative activity in this State. Removes legislators from formal positions with the council, allowing for them and other policymakers to engage in a more advisory capacity. Requires the coordinator to develop the application for appointment to the council and removes the ability of the council to revise that application. Raises the minimum age for eligible applicants from 15 to 18 and the maximum age from 23 to 25 to create a cohort of council members who are closer in experience and college level of education to inform their activities. Lowers the number of years that a member has to have been a resident of this State to broaden the eligible pool of applicants. Requires the members of the Senate and General Assembly to appoint the members within 60 days after the start of a two-year legislative term. Removes the ability of the members of the Legislature to appoint members after that initial 60 days to ensure that there is no delay in participation for some of the members who are appointed later. Establishes a stipend for council members in an amount to be determined by the coordinator. Provides that all members who have been appointed prior to the enactment of the bill will constitute the inaugural council members, as long as they would also be eligible under the terms of this bill, and will begin their service with the new legislative term commencing on January 9, 2024. This bill also repeals several provisions of law that require the council to maintain an executive board, that require a certain schedule of meetings for the council, and that limit the payments received by members to reimbursements for expenses already incurred.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Linda Carter (D)*,  Luanne Peterpaul (D)*,  Michael Venezia (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Higher Education Committee (on 05/16/2024)

Official Document