Governor John Lynch recently signed into law, SB 323, a bill introduced by Senator Robert Odell that establishes the Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC). Modeled after a similar initiative in Maine, the LYAC presents an exciting new opportunity for New Hampshire youth to become directly engaged in the state legislative process.

The New Hampshire bill grants 19 youth the opportunity to serve on the council for a term of two years. The council is tasked with “advising the legislature, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House on proposed and pending legislation, state budget expenditures, and policy matters relating to youth.”

Sen. Odell stated, “Everyday, the young people of New Hampshire contribute to the economy, participate in community affairs, and very importantly, are impacted by the laws we pass. The time for their voices to be heard is now. The Legislative Youth Advisory Council will allow their viewpoints to be expressed and taken seriously by legislators. We need to show our youth, at the earliest age possible, the importance of government and that if they actively participate, they can make a difference.”

The bill provides for secondary and postsecondary students from across the state to serve a two-year term with the council. Positions are to be appointed by the Governor, Secretary of State, Speaker of the House, and President of the Senate.

The New Hampshire Alliance for Civic Engagement was one of seven groups selected by the National Conference of State Legislatures to develop an initiative that provided deeper connections between young people and state government. NHACE worked with Sen. Odell and Rep. Debra Naro, along with several other lawmakers, in developing the bill. As stated in SB 323, NHACE will work with the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate’s offices to coordinate activities of the LYAC.