Bill > HB1046

This bill establishes the Pennsylvania Poet Laureate position and the Pennsylvania Poet Laureate Nomination Committee to oversee the selection and responsibilities of the state's poet laureate. The poet laureate will be appointed by the Governor for a two-year term from a list of nominees provided by the committee, which includes representatives from the Secretary of Education, Commonwealth Council on the Arts, State Library, a nonprofit poetry organization, and a university English department. The poet laureate's official duties will include giving poetry readings at the Governor's inauguration, the legislative session opening (if requested), and official commemorations, while serving without direct compensation but receiving reimbursement for travel and expenses. The Nomination Committee will be responsible for determining nominee qualifications, soliciting nominations, and presenting a list of up to three candidates to the Governor. Committee members will also serve without compensation but receive reimbursement for official expenses. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, creating a formal mechanism to recognize and celebrate poetry at the state level through this prestigious appointed position.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1046