New Jersey Assembly Bill A4375

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/16/24
• Refer: 5/16/24

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 enactment of A4375 will amend existing legislation regarding the Legislative Youth Council, providing it with more flexibility in its operations. Notably, the bill raises the minimum age for council members from 15 to 18 years, promoting a cohort that is more aligned with college-level experiences. The council will no longer be required to produce regular reports on specific subjects, but will submit a biannual report on its activities to the legislature. This change may lead to more dynamic discussions within the council as members will focus on issues that resonate with their interests rather than fixed topics determined by previous legislation.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4375 aims to enhance the engagement of youth in New Jersey's democratic process by establishing a Legislative Youth Council directed by the Secretary of Higher Education. This council will be created to allow young individuals to provide insights on policies affecting them, thereby ensuring their perspectives are reflected in state governance. The bill reflects an understanding within the legislature that many young people lack trust in their ability to influence government decisions, and aims to address this by creating formal avenues for their participation.

Contention

A key point of contention around A4375 is the removal of legislators from formal positions within the council, which may lead to debates about the council's effectiveness in influencing actual policy. Legislators will shift to a more advisory role, creating potential concerns about the depth of engagement young council members might have with legislative processes. Furthermore, the bill eliminates certain operational requirements, such as the maintenance of an executive board and specific meeting schedules, which could affect the council's structure and effectiveness in the long term.