New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2072

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

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 restructured council will comprise 40 public members, aged between 18 and 25, who shall each represent one of the 40 legislative districts in New Jersey. The changes aim to reduce bureaucratic obstacles for council members by removing unnecessary requirements, such as mandated subject area studies and regular reporting requirements. Instead, the council's coordinator will report biennially on council activities, reflecting a shift towards improving the council's focus on active engagement rather than administrative tasks. This approach seeks to empower youth as valuable stakeholders in government decisions.

Summary

Senate Bill S2072, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, aims to establish a Legislative Youth Council in collaboration with an institution of higher education in the state. This council is intended to engage youth in the democratic process, allowing them to provide input on policies and legislative matters that affect them. The bill modifies the existing structure of the council to enhance flexibility in operations and to streamline the engagement process with policymaking. It emphasizes the need for youth perspectives in government, recognizing that active participation is crucial for the health of democracy.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill may arise from its impact on existing participatory structures for youth involvement. By increasing the minimum age for council members and reducing optimum diversity by not requiring fixed representation proportions, concerns may be raised about inclusivity and the genuine representation of all youth voices. Additionally, the alteration of reporting obligations may lead to criticisms concerning accountability. However, proponents argue that these changes will lead to a more effective and adaptable council that meets the current needs of youth engagement in governance.

Companion Bills

NJ A4375

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.

NJ S3987

Carry Over 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.

NJ A5727

Carry Over 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.

Previously Filed As

NJ S3987

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.

NJ A5727

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.

NJ A5685

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.

NJ A4375

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.

NJ A376

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish performance-based funding plans for public institutions of higher education.

NJ A440

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish performance-based funding plans for public institutions of higher education.

NJ A1637

Establishes Council of Women in Higher Education in Department of State to study and promote women's issues within institutions of higher education.

NJ A3235

Establishes Council of Women in Higher Education in Department of State to study and promote women's issues within institutions of higher education.

NJ S3537

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish common course numbering system for public institutions of higher education.

NJ S2478

Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish common course numbering system for public institutions of higher education.

Similar Bills

NJ A5727

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.

NJ A4375

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.

NJ S3987

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.

NJ A5685

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.

NJ A5802

Establishes State Longitudinal Data System.

CA SCR89

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

NJ A5182

Modernizes responsibilities of New Jersey Council of County Colleges.

NJ A375

Requires development of longitudinal data system that maintains individuals' data from preschool through entry into workforce.