Bill Text: HI HB1466 | 2017 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Relating To A Youth Advisory Commission.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2017-03-24 - Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. [HB1466 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2017-HB1466-Amended.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1466 |
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TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO A YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that increasing youth participation in the public policymaking process is a vital state interest because Hawaii has the lowest youth voter participation rate in the United States. In 2008, Hawaii had the lowest voter participation rate among eighteen to twenty-nine year olds in the country, at thirty-one per cent, compared to fifty-seven per cent voter participation among those thirty years of age and older.
The legislature further finds that young people aged sixteen and seventeen may work, pay taxes, marry, and drive. However, they are denied a formal role in the political process because they are prohibited from voting. Because young people under the age of eighteen may not vote, they deserve access and input through other means to the policymaking process.
Many of the most persistent issues facing the State, such as affordable housing, jobs, and education, primarily affect young people. Young people are the ones who need a place to live, depend on good employment to support themselves and their families, and seek quality education for their children. Yet after many decades, these issues remain among the most difficult to address.
The legislature further finds that a youth advisory commission would enable a greater role for young people in the policymaking process. Furthermore, the legislature and governor would benefit from additional formal input from young people on the effect of legislation on young people in the State.
The purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Establish a youth advisory commission within the office of youth services to advise the governor and legislature on the effects of legislative policies, needs, assessments, priorities, programs, and budgets concerning the youth of the State; and
(2) Appropriate funds for the hiring of one staff position to administer the youth advisory commission and other administration costs.
SECTION 2. Chapter 352D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§352D- Youth advisory commission. (a) There is established within the office of youth services, for administrative purposes only, a youth advisory commission to advise the governor and legislature on the effects of legislative policies, needs, assessments, priorities, programs, and budgets concerning the youth of the State. The commission shall respond to requests for comment and recommendation on matters referred to it by the governor or legislature.
(b) The youth advisory commission shall consist of fifteen members between the ages of fourteen and twenty-four, of whom:
(1) Five members shall be appointed by the governor; provided that the governor shall ensure that each county is represented by at least one appointment; provided further that the governor shall ensure that at least one member is a previous recipient of youth services;
(2) Five members shall be appointed by the president of the senate; and
(3) Five members shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;
provided that the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives shall consider, to the extent feasible, a diverse cross section of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, and military service when making their appointments.
(c) Each member shall be appointed for a term of two years; provided that the initial terms of the appointed members shall be staggered as follows:
(1) Six members, two each appointed by the governor, the president of the senate, and the speaker of the house, to serve three-year terms;
(2) Six members, two each appointed by the governor, the president of the senate, and the speaker of the house, to serve two-year terms; and
(3) Three members, one each appointed by the governor, the president of the senate, and the speaker of the house, to serve one-year terms.
(d) The members of the youth advisory commission shall not be subject to section 26-34.
(e) The youth advisory commission shall annually elect a chairperson.
(f) Eight members of the youth advisory commission shall constitute a quorum to do business. Any action taken by the commission shall be validated by a simple majority of the quorum.
(g) The youth advisory commission members may invite other individuals to participate in commission activities as temporary, nonvoting members."
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2017-2018 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2018-2019 for the hiring of one staff position to administer the youth advisory commission and other associated administrative costs.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the office of youth services for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2017.
Report Title:
Youth Advisory Commission; Office of Youth Services; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes a Youth Advisory Commission within the Office of Youth Services to advise the Governor and Legislature on the effects of legislative policies, needs, assessments, priorities, programs, and budgets relating to youth. Appropriates funds. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
