(1) The legislative youth advisory council is established to examine issues of importance to youth, including but not limited to education, employment, strategies to increase youth participation in state and municipal government, safe environments for youth, substance abuse, emotional and physical health, foster care, poverty, homelessness, and youth access to services on a statewide and municipal basis.

     (2) The council consists of twenty-two members as provided in this subsection who, at the time of appointment, are aged fourteen to eighteen. The council shall select a chair from among its members.

     (3) Except for initial members, members shall serve two-year terms, and if eligible, may be reappointed for subsequent two-year terms. One-half of the initial members shall be appointed to one-year terms, and these appointments shall be made in such a way as to preserve overall representation on the committee.

     (4)(a) By July 2, 2007, and annually thereafter, students may apply to be considered for participation in the program by completing an online application form and submitting the application to the legislative youth advisory council. The council may develop selection criteria and an application review process. The council shall recommend candidates whose names will be submitted to the office of the lieutenant governor for final selection. Beginning May 7, 2009, the office of the lieutenant governor shall notify all applicants of the final selections using existing staff and resources.

     (b) Within existing staff and resources, the office of the lieutenant governor shall make the application available on the lieutenant governor's web site.

     (5) If the council has sufficient funds from any source, then the council shall have the following duties:

     (a) Advising the legislature on proposed and pending legislation, including state budget expenditures and policy matters relating to youth;

     (b) Advising the standing committees of the legislature and study commissions, committees, and task forces regarding issues relating to youth;

     (c) Conducting periodic seminars for its members regarding leadership, government, and the legislature;

     (d) Accepting and soliciting for grants and donations from public and private sources to support the activities of the council; and

     (e) Reporting annually by December 1st to the legislature on its activities, including proposed legislation that implements recommendations of the council.

     (6) If the council has sufficient funds from any source, then in carrying out its duties under this section, the council may meet at least three times but not more than six times per year. The council shall consider conducting at least some of the meetings via the K-20 telecommunications network. The council is encouraged to invite local state legislators to participate in the meetings. The council is encouraged to poll other students in order to get a broad perspective on the various issues. The council is encouraged to use technology to conduct the polling, including the council's web site, if the council has a web site.

     (7) If the council has sufficient funds from any source, then members shall be reimbursed as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

     (8) If sufficient funds are available from any source, beginning with May 7, 2009, the office of superintendent of public instruction shall provide administration, coordination, and facilitation assistance to the council. The senate and house of representatives may provide policy and fiscal briefings and assistance with drafting proposed legislation. The senate and the house of representatives shall each develop internal policies relating to staff assistance provided to the council. Such policies may include applicable internal personnel and practices guidelines, resource use and expense reimbursement guidelines, and applicable ethics mandates. Provision of funds, resources, and staff, as well as the assignment and direction of staff, remains at all times within the sole discretion of the chamber making the provision.

     (9) The office of the lieutenant governor, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, the legislature, any agency of the legislature, and any official or employee of such office or agency are immune from liability for any injury that is incurred by or caused by a member of the youth advisory council and that occurs while the member of the council is performing duties of the council or is otherwise engaged in activities or receiving services for which reimbursement is allowed under subsection (7) of this section. The immunity provided by this subsection does not apply to an injury intentionally caused by the act or omission of an employee or official of the superintendent of public instruction or the legislature or any agency of the legislature.

[2009 c 410 § 1; 2007 c 291 § 2; 2005 c 355 § 1.]

NOTES:

     Effective date -- 2009 c 410: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 7, 2009]." [2009 c 410 § 2.]

     Finding -- 2007 c 291: "The legislature finds that the legislative youth advisory council provides a unique opportunity for middle and high school students to be actively involved in government. Councilmembers not only learn about, but exercise, the core values and democratic principles of our state and nation, along with the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and democratic civic involvement. As such, they are engaged in authentic practice of the essential academic learning requirements in civics. In the short time since its creation, the legislative youth advisory council has studied, debated, and begun to formulate positions and recommendations on such important topics as education reform, school finance, public school learning environments, health and fitness education, and standardized testing. The legislature continues to stress the importance of civics education and support the type of civic involvement by students exemplified by the legislative youth advisory council." [2007 c 291 § 1.]

     Effective date -- 2007 c 291: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 2, 2007]." [2007 c 291 § 4.]