The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Tammy Crain Waldrop.
DIGEST
Present law establishes and provides for the Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC).
Present law provides that LYAC shall consist of the 14 youth members appointed by the La.
Commission on Civic Education (commission), two appointed from each congressional district
and the remaining members from the state at large in a manner which reflects the diversity of the
state to the greatest extent practicable pursuant to an application process provided in present law
who shall possess the qualifications provided in present law.
(1) Requires that the commission select LYAC members from among youths recommended
by any school administrator, teacher, or representative of an approved home study
program or a general education development skills program. Provides that if two
qualified applicants cannot be found to represent a particular congressional district, in
lieu of directly filling any such vacancy, the commission may select a qualified applicant
from among youths nominated by a school club or community organization, as provided
in present law, to serve as an at-large member in order to ensure full membership on the
council.
(2)Provides that up to seven youths may serve as members nominated by a school-sponsored
club or community organization that has a mission that supports the ideals of character,
leadership, and service; encourages mutual respect and instills civic responsibility; builds
courage and confidence among young people through community participation; or
promotes the principles of representative democracy, in an effort to build stronger
communities by increasing civic engagement among youth. Provides that if the number
of clubs or organizations eligible for and making a request to participate exceeds seven,
the members shall be selected in the same manner and pursuant to the application
process, specified in present law, as provided for the selection of other members by the
commission.
(3)Provides that any such club or organization may submit one name to the commission,
along with a letter of recommendation from an adult representative of the club or
organization from which the youth is nominated and a letter of recommendation from a
school administrator, teacher, or representative of an approved home study program or
general education development skills program.
Proposed law provides that LYAC shall consist of 21 youth members appointed by the La.
Commission on Civic Education as follows: Two youth members shall be appointed from each
congressional district and the remaining members from the state at large in a manner which
reflects the diversity of the state to the greatest extent practicable. Youth members shall be
selected pursuant to an application process provided in present law and shall possess the qualifications provided in present law.
Proposed law provides that the commission shall select members to the council from among
youths recommended by any of the following:
(1)A school administrator, teacher, or representative of an approved home study program or
a general education development skills program.
(2) An adult representative of a school-sponsored club or community organization which has
a mission that supports the ideals of character, leadership, and service; encourages mutual
respect and instills civic responsibility; builds courage and confidence among young
people through community participation; or promotes the principles of representative
democracy, in an effort to build stronger communities by increasing civic engagement
among youth.
Present law provides for staffing of the LYAC by the legislative staff of the Louisiana
Commission on Civic Education.
Proposed law provides for LYAC staffing by legislative staff.
Effective August 1, 2014.
(Amends R.S. 24:973.1(B)(1) and (F)(6))