SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SCR 8400

                    As of January 19, 1999

Brief Description:  Recognizing a state poet laureate.

Sponsors:  Senators Jacobsen and Kohl‑Welles.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  1/21/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Staff:  Sharon Swanson (786-7445)

Background:  The Legislature wishes to recognize the value of poetry and the contribution Washington poets make to the culture of our state by requesting the appointment of a Washington poet to serve as state poet laureate.

Summary of Bill:  The Senate of the State of Washington resolves, the House of Representative concurring, that the Governor appoint a Washington poet to serve as the poet laureate of the State of Washington.

The poet laureate must write poetry and lofty expressions to be read at appropriate state occasions.  The poet laureate serves a term of two years with a salary consisting of one butt of Washington wine per year, donated by representatives of the Washington wine industry.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.