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H 3590

An Act relative to the position of poet laureate for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mindy Domb and 2 co-sponsors

Creates a paid Massachusetts Poet Laureate position with a formal nominating process to promote poetry education and programming statewide.

Accompanied a study order, see H5186
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Bill Summary · H 3590

Summary: H.3590 An Act relative to the position of poet laureate for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Overview

H.3590 proposes to create an official Massachusetts Poet Laureate position by adding Section 38A to Chapter 6 of the General Laws. The act establishes a biennial appointment process, a formal nominating committee, and compensation mechanisms through the Massachusetts Center for the Book. The aim is to raise awareness and appreciation of poetry among all residents, with particular emphasis on school-age readers.

Purpose and Rationale

  • Elevate public engagement with poetry and increase literacy and appreciation for reading and writing poetry throughout the Commonwealth.
  • Provide an official, appointment-based role (poet laureate) to champion poetry education and programming.

Key Provisions

1) Appointment and Term
- The governor shall appoint a poet laureate biennially, on or before March 31, from a list of nominees.
- Term length: 2 years, or until a successor is appointed and qualified.
- If a vacancy occurs, it shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

2) Nomination Committee
- A five-member poet laureate nominating committee is established:
- Speaker of the House (or designee)
- President of the Senate (or designee)
- Two members appointed by the governor
- Executive Director of the Massachusetts Center for the Book (or designee)
- Members serve without compensation.

3) Nomination Process
- The committee must advertise and solicit nominations from Massachusetts residents.
- Nominees provide biographical and professional information plus supporting materials explaining why they deserve designation as poet laureate.
- The committee reviews nominations and selects three nominees to submit to the governor, no later than February 1 of the relevant year.

4) Compensation and Support
- The poet laureate may receive remuneration through the Massachusetts Center for the Book.
- The Center may establish an appropriate stipend and cover reasonable expenses related to duties, subject to appropriation.

Administration and Scope

  • Nominees must be Massachusetts residents.
  • The act focuses on promoting poetry appreciation, especially among schoolchildren.
  • The Massachusetts Center for the Book plays a key role in compensation and support.

Timeline and Legislative Status

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to the Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development: February 27, 2025.
  • Hearing scheduled: October 21, 2025, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM in Room B-2.
  • Related action: Senate concurrence noted in February 2025; HD 2644 is listed as related (replaces).

Affected Parties

  • Massachusetts residents (as potential nominees and beneficiaries of poetry programming).
  • The Governor’s office (appointment authority).
  • The Speaker of the House and Senate President (designee roles).
  • The Massachusetts Center for the Book (administrative and funding role).
  • Schools and cultural organizations benefiting from poetry initiatives and programming.

Fiscal Considerations

  • Funding for the stipend and expenses would be subject to appropriation.
  • Administrative costs associated with the nominating committee and programming would similarly depend on appropriations.

Related Legislation

  • HD 2644 (replaces) is noted as related, indicating a potential companion or successor measure.

This bill, if enacted, would formalize the office of Massachusetts Poet Laureate with a structured nomination process, clear duties to promote poetry education, and an explicit funding mechanism through the Massachusetts Center for the Book.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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