Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish Legislative Youth Council and select institution of higher education in this State as host; makes changes to council's structure to provide flexibility in activities and operations.
Impact
The proposed changes include allowing a partnering institution of higher education to support the council's functions and facilitate a more engaging environment for council members. This partnership is expected to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the council’s operations, allowing members to study issues that matter to them actively. The bill increases the minimum age of council members to 18 and adjusts the maximum age to 25, ensuring members are more aligned with the college demographic, which complements their engagement with state governance discussions and civic education initiatives.
Summary
Assembly Bill A5685 aims to reform the New Jersey Legislative Youth Council by establishing it under the direction of the Secretary of Higher Education. This bill emphasizes the engagement and participation of youth in the democratic process, giving them a platform to express their views and influence policy decisions. It seeks to deepen youth's involvement in civic life, addressing a recognized gap where young individuals feel they lack a voice in governance. The establishment of the council aligns with best practices seen in other states and historical precedents in New Jersey aimed at enhancing youth leadership and representation.
Contention
While the bill aims to bolster youth involvement in New Jersey's legislative processes, potential points of contention may arise regarding the removal of some traditional requirements, such as specific subject area studies for members and regular reporting to the legislature, which critics may argue could dilute accountability. Additionally, the restructuring limits direct legislative appointments to advisory roles, which may be perceived as diminishing the influence of elected officials on the council, although proponents assert that this will allow for more genuine contributions from the youth members themselves.
Same As
Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish Legislative Youth Council and select institution of higher education in this State as host; makes changes to council's structure to provide flexibility in activities and operations.
Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish Legislative Youth Council and select institution of higher education in this State as host; makes changes to council's structure to provide flexibility in activities and operations.
Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish Legislative Youth Council and select institution of higher education in this State as host; makes changes to council's structure to provide flexibility in activities and operations.
Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish Legislative Youth Council and select institution of higher education in this State as host; makes changes to council's structure to provide flexibility in activities and operations.
Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish Legislative Youth Council and select institution of higher education in this State as host; makes changes to council's structure to provide flexibility in activities and operations.
Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish Legislative Youth Council and select institution of higher education in this State as host; makes changes to council's structure to provide flexibility in activities and operations.
Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish Legislative Youth Council and select institution of higher education in this State as host; makes changes to council's structure to provide flexibility in activities and operations.
Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish Legislative Youth Council and select institution of higher education in this State as host; makes changes to council's structure to provide flexibility in activities and operations.
Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish Legislative Youth Council and select institution of higher education in this State as host; makes changes to council's structure to provide flexibility in activities and operations.