46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003

RELATING TO CHILDREN; CREATING A YOUTH COUNCIL; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. PURPOSE.--The purpose of this act is to encourage young people throughout New Mexico to consider and discuss the problems they face and to develop possible solutions for presentation to the governor and lieutenant governor.

Section 2. YOUTH COUNCIL CREATED--ORGANIZATION--FUNCTIONS.--

A. The "youth council" is created in the children, youth and families department.

B. The council shall consist of at least one youth, aged twelve to nineteen, from each New Mexico county to be selected by the youth council coordinator in consultation with county child welfare advocates and officials and school guidance counselors.

C. The council shall meet at least four times a year for the purpose of discussing the problems faced by New Mexico youth and to recommend possible solutions to these problems to be presented to the governor and the lieutenant governor.

D. The council shall issue an annual report that summarizes the activities and findings of the council. The report shall be submitted to the legislature and the executive no later than December 15 of each year.

Section 3. YOUTH COUNCIL COORDINATOR--POSITION CREATED--DUTIES.--

A. The position of "youth council coordinator" is created in the office of the secretary of children, youth and families to organize, administer and coordinate youth council activities.

B. The coordinator shall:

(1) select, in consultation with county child welfare advocates and officials and school guidance counselors, a diverse cross-section of youths for the council from throughout the state;

(2) organize four council meetings a year, four of which will include the lieutenant governor and two of which will include the governor;

(3) assist the council in preparing an annual report on its activities and findings; and

(4) act as a liaison between the council and any interagency coordinating group consisting of certain cabinet secretaries if that entity is established by executive order.

Section 4. APPROPRIATION.--One hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the children, youth and families department for expenditure in fiscal year 2004 to carry out the provisions of this act. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2004 shall revert to the general fund.