This bill establishes the Anti-Bullying Youth Council in New Jersey, aimed at providing a platform for youth to advise the Anti-Bullying Task Force on issues related to bullying in both public and nonpublic schools. The council will consist of 25 members, including four nonvoting members from the New Jersey Legislature and 21 public members who are students from middle and high schools. The legislative members will serve in an advisory capacity, assisting the public members in coordinating meetings and fulfilling the council's purpose. Appointments to the council must be made within 30 days of the bill's effective date, and public members will serve two-year terms.
The council is tasked with researching and making specific recommendations to the Anti-Bullying Task Force on preventing and responding to bullying. It will also prepare and submit an annual report detailing its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature. The council's recommendations will be made available online, and it may present them at public hearings. The council is required to organize within 30 days of member appointments and will expire when the Anti-Bullying Task Force concludes its work.