HB1716 Summary

• Establishes a youth commission within the Office of Youth Services to advise the Governor and Legislature on legislative policies, needs, programs, and budgets affecting youth in Hawaii.

• Commission consists of 15 members aged 14-24: five appointed by the Governor (ensuring county representation and at least one previous youth services recipient), five by the Senate President, and five by the House Speaker.

• Members serve two-year terms with staggered initial appointments: six members for three years, six for two years, and three for one year; requires eight members as quorum with simple majority vote for actions.

• Commission duties include responding to requests for comment on referred matters, conducting research on youth needs, making recommendations, and submitting annual reports to the Governor and Legislature by July 1 each year starting July 1, 2019.

• Appropriates $81,416 from general revenues for fiscal year 2018-2019 to hire one staff position to administer the commission and cover associated administrative costs; effective July 1, 2018.