Three States Create Youth Advisory Councils
Colorado, Indiana and Maryland created Legislative Youth Advisory Councils this session. The young people who serve on these councils will advise their state legislature about issues of importance to youth.
Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed the legislation today. House Bill 1157 establishes a forty-four member council that includes four nonvoting legislative members and students between 14 and 19 years of age. They will meet four times a year and annually report to the General Assembly. The council is also tasked with reaching out to youth groups across the state. The bill was sponsored by Representative Ellen Roberts and Senator Sue Windels. Roberts says, "Given the many challenges facing our state, finding solutions with the help of our youth, our future, is essential!"
In Indiana, House Bill 1162 sets out the parameters of the legislative youth council. The Superintendent of Public Instruction will supervise the council. Maryland Senate Bill 1 establishes the new Maryland council. Louisiana, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico and Washington also have councils.
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