YOUNG ADULT COMMISSION; CREATE
House Bill 5202 (substitute H-1 as passed by the House)
Sponsor: Rep. Martin Howrylak
Committee: Workforce and Talent Development
Complete to 3-3-16
House Bill 5202 would create a new act which would establish a nine-member "Young Adult Advisory Commission" within the Department of Talent and Economic Development. The bill would take effect 90 days after the date it is enacted.
FISCAL IMPACT:
House Bill 5202 would have no fiscal impact on state or local government.
THE APPARENT PROBLEM:
According to testimony from the bill sponsor, the intent of the legislation is to increase participation in government by young adults, and to give younger residents a more direct way to interact with their elected officials. An additional benefit of the legislation touted by those supporting the bill is that by increasing the input of young adults into government decision-making, it will foster policies that will reverse Michigan's so-called "brain drain" of young, educated adults leaving the state after college. The bill was reported from committee without opposition.
THE CONTENT OF THE BILL:
The commission would consist of 9 individuals between the ages of 16 and 28, appointed as follows:
o By the governor, three members, one of whom is a disabled individual.
o By the Speaker of the House of Representatives, two members.
o By the Senate Majority Leader, two members.
o By the House Minority Leader, one member.
o By the Senate Minority Leader, one member.
The council would be charged with each of the following tasks:
o Recognizing the contributions of young people in this state.
o Holding forums to give Michigan youths a voice and share information with the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
o Submitting an annual report to the governor and the legislature on youth issues.
o Working in collaboration with existing state agencies to develop a comprehensive social media campaign to reach youths and expand youths' opportunities to communicate with state government.
o Working in collaboration with existing state agencies to increase retention of youths in Michigan and making Michigan a more attractive place for youths to live and work.
o Proposing solutions for current and emerging challenges for youths in Michigan, and making recommendations on pending legislation.
A vacancy on the council would have to be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, and terms would be two years, or until a successor is appointed, whichever is later. The members first appointed to the council must be appointed within 120 days after the effective date of this act. Members of the council would serve without compensation.
At the first meeting, which must be called by the governor, the council would have to elect from among its members a chairperson and other officers as it considers necessary or appropriate. After that first meeting, the council must meet quarterly, and could meet more frequently at the call of the chairperson, or if requested by two or more members.
A majority of the members of the council constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of the council while a majority of members present and serving is required for official action of the council.
Meetings of the council must be conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Act (PA 267 of 1976), and any writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by the council in the performance of an official function would be subject to the Freedom of Information Act (PA 442 of 1976).
POSITIONS:
The following indicated support for HB 5202:
Michigan Future United (1-21-16)
Student Association of Michigan (1-21-16)
Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council (1-21-16)
Legislative Analyst: Josh Roesner
Fiscal Analyst: Ben Gielczyk
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.