The Colorado Youth Advisory Council (COYAC) gives Colorado teens ages 14-19 a voice in the state lawmaking process.
In 2008, the Colorado Legislature created COYAC when it passed House Bill 08-1157 by State Representative Ellen Roberts (HD59-Durango) to “examine, evaluate and discuss the issues, interests, and needs affecting Colorado youth now and in the future, and to formally advise and make recommendations to elected officials regarding those issues.”
COYAC consists of 40 youth members, ages 14-19:
35 voting members representing each senate district in the state
One voting member representing the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe
One voting member representing the Southern Ute Indian Tribe
Three non-voting at-large members selected to help ensure diversity on the council, with an express concern for adequate rural representation.
Youth members serve two-year terms, and they may serve more than one term.
HB08-1157 Concerning the creation of a Youth Advisory Council, and making an appropriation
SB13-148 Concerning continuation of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council
HB19-1024 Concerning creation of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Review Committee with the authority to draft bills and recommend legislation through the interim committee process, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation
HB20-1021 Concerning the addition of representatives from Native American tribes with reservations in Colorado to the Colorado Youth Advisory Council
SB22-014 Colorado Youth Advisory Council Updates – Requires that 2 of the council’s 4 meetings each year be held in person
SB23-076 Sunset Continue CO Youth Advisory Council – Continues COYAC until September 1, 2028; renames the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Review Committee as the Representative Hugh McKean Colorado Youth Advisory Council Review Committee, and appropriates $50,000 to COYAC for the 2023-24 state fiscal year (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024)
HB24-1347 FY 2024-25 Legislative Appropriation Bill – Appropriates $50,000 to COYAC for the 2024-25 state fiscal year (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025)
SB25-199 Suspend Legislative Interim Activities – Removes the authority of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Review Committee to draft bills and recommend legislation through the interim committee process and appropriates $45,000 to COYAC for the 2025-26 state fiscal year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026)
SB25-188 Fiscal Year 2025-26 Legislative Appropriation Bill – Appropriates $5,000 to COYAC for the 2025-26 state fiscal year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026)
