Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC)

Lucy testifies in the Senate Commerce Committee in favor of House Bill 577.

LYAC members joined Governor Landry and Representative Carver to sign Act 656 into law.

Governor Landry answered questions from LYAC members at the council’s first meeting.

LYAC welcomed its new members to the House Chamber.

Mary Kate from the Office of Human Trafficking presented to LYAC.

"Empowering Youth, Developing Leaders"

What Is LYAC

The Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) is a body created by state law which is composed entirely of high school students with an interest in representing the voices of young people across the state. It opens the line of communication between youth and the legislature and gives students the opportunity to be involved in the workings of government. The thirty-one student members are appointed each year, three from each of the state's congressional districts and the remaining members at large. The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education oversees the work of LYAC and selects its membership.

LYAC Application Process

Applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 19, and be enrolled in a public or private high school, a home school program, or a GED skills program for the 2024-2025 school year. To apply, fill out the application completely. A parent or legal guardian must sign and submit a consent form. A minimum of two recommendation letters are also required. Recommendation letters should be submitted by a school administrator, teacher, or representative of a community or school-sponsored club or organization (with a civic mission). The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education is responsible for the appointment of members. The deadline for submission is Friday, March 15, 2024.

Application, Consent Form, and Letters of Recommendation should be mailed to:

Louisiana Commission on Civic Education c/o Megan Bella Louisiana Senate PO Box 94183 Baton Rouge, LA 70804

LYAC Application Form

LYAC Recommendation Form

Mission

Our mission is to foster a greater appreciation and understanding of civic participation among Louisiana's young people. As citizens and the future leaders of our state, we believe that in order to improve our state, it is fundamental that we be active and engaged to enact positive change, and influence our governmental system for the better. By facilitating discussion, provoking thought, and encouraging action on the part of our peers, the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council strives to have an integral part in forming our future.

Purpose

"To examine and facilitate communication between youth and the legislature regarding issues of importance to youth, including but not limited to education, employment, strategies to increase youth participation in local and state government, safe environments for youth, substance abuse, underage drinking, emotional and physical health, poverty, litter and environmental control, driver's licenses, and youth access to state and local services."

History

In the 2007 Regular Session of the Louisiana State Legislature, lawmakers overwhelmingly approved Senate Bill 46 by then-Senator Gerald "Jerry" Theunissen. The bill, which became Act 118, created LYAC. The bill grew out of Sen. Theunissen's visit to an 8th grade class at a south Louisiana high school as part of his participation in the Legislators Back to School Program, a national effort that encourages lawmakers to meet with students to put a face on public service and to promote a greater understanding of how representative democracy works.

As part of his classroom visit, Sen. Theunissen challenged the students to help him draft legislation for lawmakers to consider that would be meaningful to young people across the state.

The students accepted the challenge and the idea for LYAC was born. The students helped draft the proposed new law, met with key state officials and lawmakers to gain support for their bill, and testified before legislative committees considering the measure. On June 25, 2007, then-Governor Kathleen Blanco signed the bill into law

LAW R.S. 24:973.1