New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S3987

Introduced
6/20/23  
Refer
6/20/23  
Report Pass
6/27/23  
Engrossed
6/30/23  

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 changes introduced by S3987 allow for more flexibility in the council's functions. It raises the minimum age for council members from 15 to 18 and extends the maximum age from 23 to 25, thereby ensuring that members are more experienced and closer to completing their higher education. The bill also reduces the residency requirement, allowing for a more diverse pool of candidates. Furthermore, it shifts the council's reporting structure, requiring biennial reports to be made by a designated coordinator rather than by council members, facilitating a smoother operation and allowing council members to focus on their activities and responsibilities.

Summary

Senate Bill S3987, introduced in New Jersey, aims to reinstate and restructure the Legislative Youth Council, directing the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to establish the council within a host institution of higher education. The bill emphasizes the importance of youth engagement in the democratic process and recognizes the need for their perspectives in policymaking. By providing a platform for youth involvement, the bill aims to foster a stronger connection between the younger generation and their government, thereby promoting civic engagement.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding S3987 stem from the alteration of the council's composition and the abolition of certain procedural requirements. Critics may argue that the changes to the youth council, such as the removal of specific subject area requirements for members and the diminished role of legislative members, could weaken oversight or dilute the focus on pressing youth issues. The bill's emphasis on flexibility might lead to concerns about the adequacy of representation and accountability, as the structure is designed to adapt over time rather than adhere to established protocols and standards.

Companion Bills

NJ A5685

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 A5727

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.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2072

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 S2072

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.