WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 3593

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

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Hadley Luddy

Creates the office of Massachusetts poet laureate with a biennial nomination and appointment process, a governing committee, and potential stipend funded by appropriation.

Accompanied a study order, see H5185
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 3593

Summary: H 3593 — An Act relative to the position of poet laureate for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Overview

  • Bill number: H 3593
  • Title: An Act relative to the position of poet laureate for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Status / Timeline: Hearing scheduled for October 21, 2025 (1:00 PM–5:00 PM, in B-2). Referred to the Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development on introduction; Senate concurrence noted on 2/27/2025. The measure would amend Chapter 6 of the General Laws by adding a new Section 38A.
  • Purpose: Establish a formal, biennial process to appoint a state poet laureate and create the governance structure and funding mechanisms to support the role.

What the bill would do (key provisions)

  • Creation of a poet laureate position: Establishes the office of the poet laureate for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The poet laureate is intended to “raise the consciousness of all commonwealth residents, especially school children, to a greater appreciation of the reading and writing of poetry.”
  • Term and appointment: The poet laureate would be appointed to a term of 2 years (or until a successor is appointed and qualified). If the office becomes vacant, the vacancy is to be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
  • Nomination committee: Creates a Poet Laureate Nominating Committee (PLNC) with five members:
    • The Speaker of the House (or designee)
    • The Senate President (or designee)
    • Two members appointed by the Governor
    • The Executive Director of the Massachusetts Center for the Book (or designee)
    • Committee members serve without compensation.
  • Nomination process: The PLNC will advertise for nominations, collect biographical and professional information from nominees (residents of the Commonwealth) and supporting materials detailing their poetic accomplishments, evaluate candidates, and select three nominees to submit to the Governor. Submissions to the Governor must be completed on or before February 1 biennially.
  • Appointment and funding: The Governor may appoint the poet laureate on or before March 31 biennially. The poet laureate may receive remuneration through the Massachusetts Center for the Book, which may establish an appropriate stipend and cover the poet laureate’s expenses, subject to appropriation.

Who is affected

  • Governor’s office and state government: Interaction for appointments and funding; administration of stipends.
  • Massachusetts Center for the Book: Potentially responsible for stipend administration and expense reimbursements.
  • Candidates/Nominees: Massachusetts residents with demonstrated poetic achievement eligible for nomination.
  • General public, especially students and educators: Purpose of the role centers on promoting poetry literacy.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Amendment target: Adds Section 38A to Chapter 6 of the General Laws (as appearing in the 2016 edition).
  • Appointment cadence: Biennial cycle with nominations due by February 1, appointment by March 31.
  • Remuneration framework: Stipend and expense coverage contingent on appropriation.
  • Hearing: Scheduled for October 21, 2025, indicating ongoing consideration and potential amendments.

Notable context

  • The bill references similar matter filed in a previous session (HD 4311 of 2023-2024), indicating continued interest in establishing a state poet laureate.
  • This is a structural, governance-oriented bill rather than a program-specific appropriation until (and unless) the General Court approves funding.

This summary covers the bill’s core purpose, substantive provisions, affected parties, and key procedural timelines.

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

Sign in to ask a question.