Relative to the legislative youth advisory council.
The legislation aims to enhance youth engagement in the legislative process, thereby allowing young individuals to have a noteworthy voice in policymaking that directly affects them. It is designed to bridge the gap between lawmakers and the youth, potentially leading to more youth-informed laws and policies. By structuring a formal advisory group, the bill intends to empower young people by giving them a platform to express their views and concerns.
House Bill 1080 establishes a Legislative Youth Advisory Council in New Hampshire aimed at providing young people, aged 14 to 22, with the opportunity to review and make recommendations regarding legislation that impacts their lives. This council consists of 17 members, including 13 youth members and 4 members of the general court, ensuring representation across different schools and geographic areas of the state. The bill mandates meetings to be held at least four times a year, focusing on critical areas such as education, science and technology, transportation, labor, and substance misuse.
Some contention around the bill may arise from concerns regarding the feasibility and effectiveness of having a youth council. Critics might question whether this council will truly reflect the wider youth opinion or if it will merely serve as a symbolic gesture. Moreover, the bill's requirement for youth representation and advisory capacity raises questions about the depth of influence that these young members will have over actual legislative proposals and decisions.