NH Legislative Youth Advisory Council

Providing NH’s youth a voice in the State House since 2006

[NH Legislative Youth Advisory Council @nhlyac]

@James4NH @KellyAyotte Important to mention that all absences related to LYAC and other state youth advisory councils will also be protected by this law! It’s a massive win for student leaders across New Hampshire!

[Rep. James Thibault @James4NH]

Thrilled to say that my bill, HB1573, was signed by Gov. @KellyAyotte today! This bill came as a constituent request from a Winnisquam student who was punished for missing classes to participate in leadership activities for 4-H, FFA, and the American Legion Auxiliary. These opportunities provide just as much practical educational knowledge as a day in the classroom, if not more, so a student should not be penalized for participating, provided they make up any work missed.

This bill grants each student 2 excused absences per year to engage in activities related to civics (i.e., testifying on a bill, attending a town/city meeting, participating in the American Legion Oratorical Contest, Boy/Girl Scouts, etc.) or for CTE activities (presenting livestock at the fair, job shadows, etc.).

The bill does not permit excused absences for attending things like protests or political rallies; while they are protected First Amendment speech and students have a right to attend if they wish, they lack explicit educational or academic value, so that decision on excusal ultimately remains with administration.

Since the bill passed the House and the Senate, I have heard from many parents and grandparents who said that their students have been penalized in similar ways for presenting at the county fair, participating in job shadows, and other opportunities to enhance their independent leadership and future prospects. They were excited to hear about this proposal, and I'm so glad that it is now law and will give so many more students opportunities to learn and lead outside the classroom, supplementing their education.

This was a great improvement to come out of our community, and I will continue to advocate for new and innovative ways for our students to learn and grow. While New Hampshire was not the first state to adopt a policy like this, HB1573 is the strongest and most robust, putting students first and giving them more autonomy over their learning.

[NH Legislative Youth Advisory Council @nhlyac]

RT @James4NH: HB1573, my bill to give students excused absences to engage in civics and CTE programs and protect students in situations of…

[NH Legislative Youth Advisory Council @nhlyac]

The 2026-27 Legislative Youth Advisory Council kicked off yesterday with a tour of the State House, a reception with members’ legislators, and a productive discussion on the duties of the Council! We look forward to working with all of the new members in the year ahead!

[NH Legislative Youth Advisory Council @nhlyac]

Only 10 days left to apply! Become a leader in the state and your community by applying to join LYAC

Apply here: https://t.co/sRcFmPuyQp

[NH Legislative Youth Advisory Council @nhlyac]

For the first time in almost two years, LYAC applications are open! This is a unique opportunity for students to engage with legislators and represent their communities in Concord, advocating for youth issues!

Apply today: https://t.co/P29D1DqwFe

[NH Legislative Youth Advisory Council @nhlyac]

NHLYAC understands the importance of New Hampshire's First in the Nation Primary status and appreciates the Senate's unanimity in supporting it. We hope that the House and the citizens of our great state will continue the work to promote this amendment! #nhpolitics #fitn

[The NH Senate @TheNHSenate]

New Hampshire Senate Votes 24-0 to Protect the First In The Nation Primary in the New Hampshire Constitution
#NHPolitics #NewHampshire #FITN

[NH Legislative Youth Advisory Council @nhlyac]

@BoudmanPolitics @NHSpeaker Hi! We really don’t appreciate the accusation that our members would engage in what you’re alleging. We’re just a group of young people trying to learn about the legislature & make a difference in our state. Maybe you can learn that there’s a time and place for partisan politics.

[NH Legislative Youth Advisory Council @nhlyac]

Come join us for our next LYAC meeting on Thursday, December 7th!

[Speaker Sherman Packard @NHSpeaker]

Members from the Legislative Youth Advisory Council met with me this afternoon and gave me a brief update on their progress/discussions.

It's refreshing to see young people getting involved and hearing their thoughts about today's issues.

[NH Legislative Youth Advisory Council @nhlyac]

A statement from youth co-chairman James Thibault regarding LSR 2024-2354 and the upcoming Council year: