3. There is established a New Jersey Legislative Youth Council for the purpose of providing a forum for the youth of this State to participate in the democratic process; to advise the Legislature and its committees, commissions, and task forces on the perspectives, opinions, needs, development, and welfare of the youth of the State; and to advise the Legislature and its committees, commissions and task forces on the most effective and efficient policies, programs, and services that the State could provide for the youth of this State. The council shall research, analyze, discuss, and make specific recommendations in the areas of civics education; drugs and substance use disorder; emotional and physical health; employment and economic opportunities; environmental protection; gun violence and school safety; homelessness and poverty; mental health; safe environment for youth; sexual harassment and violence; youth services; and youth bias and hate crimes.

In each two-year term of the New Jersey Legislature, the council shall submit, in writing, a series of policy recommendations to the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the General Assembly, the Minority Leader of the Senate, and the Minority Leader of the General Assembly. The series of policy recommendations shall be made available online to the public.

The council may express its position publicly on legislation pending before the New Jersey Legislature that is directly relevant to the youth of this State.

L.2021, c.398, s.3; amended 2023, c.177, s.138.