New Jersey Assembly Bill A1585

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Establishes one-time grant to study and recommend best practices for encouraging youth participation in government.

Impact

The grant awarded under this bill is intended to stimulate research and generate actionable recommendations aimed at increasing youth engagement in government. It mandates that the awarded institution develops a detailed grant proposal and outlines specific study objectives and budgetary plans for the fund's usage. Following their research, the institution is required to produce a report detailing the best practices identified and the efficiency of these recommendations in enhancing youth participation in government. This report is then shared with various state educational and legislative authorities, aiming for broad dissemination of the findings.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1585 aims to promote youth participation in government through a dedicated funding mechanism. The bill proposes a one-time grant of $100,000 to a selected four-year public institution of higher education in New Jersey. The intention is to enable the institution to study and recommend best practices to encourage and enhance youth interest and involvement in governmental processes. By providing this funding, the bill underscores the importance of engaging younger demographics in civic duties and fostering a more politically active society.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on fostering youth engagement, potential points of contention may arise regarding how the funds are spent and the selection process for the institution receiving the grant. Questions about its effectiveness might be raised, especially from critics who question whether government-led initiatives can truly enhance civic participation or if they could be more effectively addressed through grassroots movements. Additionally, transparency in reporting outcomes and how recommended practices could be implemented across different school districts may also become focal points for discussion.