OH HB638

Establishes the Legislative Youth Advisory Council to examine youth concerns and facilitate communication between youth and the General Assembly on issues including education, employment, substance abuse, underage drinking, health, poverty, and environmental control.

Council membership consists of two members appointed from each congressional district plus four at-large members (totaling approximately 22 members), selected from applicants aged 14-19 enrolled in grades 9-12 or equivalent, recommended by school administrators, teachers, home instruction providers, or youth organizations.

Four advisors serve on the council: two state senators appointed by the Senate President, two representatives appointed by the House Speaker, the chairperson of the Governor's Office of Children's Initiatives, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction or designee.

Council members serve one-year terms renewable once (maximum two consecutive terms) without compensation, except legislator advisors receive mileage reimbursement; officers (president, vice president, secretary, communications officer, historian) are elected annually by members.

Council responsibilities include identifying youth concerns and recommending legislation, collecting information for legislative committees, participating in annual leadership seminars, holding at least one public hearing annually, and submitting an activity report by June 30 each year to the Governor and relevant legislative committees.