BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - The Legislative Youth Advisory Council, known as LYAC, is getting some new faces as high school students take to the state capitol to hear testimony from state and local leaders Tuesday. The group of over 30 students help shape policy by connecting with lawmakers ahead of the legislative session.
“A lot of the policies that are being passed are affecting our future, so it’s important for us to have a say in what’s affecting our future,” said Josiah Hardy, an incoming high school junior and LYAC member.
Outgoing members are transitioning out of their roles as they move on to higher education. Cianna Newton, who served as LYAC historian, is heading to LSU and said the opportunity was not one she took lightly.
“It’s not something many students are granted, so just to take the bull by the horns and get stuff done,” Newton said. “I feel like it’s so often that we hear the negative sides of Louisiana politics, so I feel like LYAC is really this sunshine and hope for the future of Louisiana,” she said.
Former LYAC member Brinkley Bennett helped draft legislation during the 2026 Legislative Session. The bill, now Act 61, eliminates paperwork requirements for student workers and digitizes the employment permit process through LA Works.
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