SRC-JXG S.C.R. 37 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.C.R. 37 By: Duncan Administration 3/9/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, the Texas Legislature appoints a commission to select a poet laureate during each session. The first Texas State Poet Laureate was established in February 1932. This tradition allows the state to recognize individuals for their achievements and representation of Texas through poetry and works of art that immortalize the spirit of the age and the cultural heritage by which they were inspired. Bestowing titles on outstanding poets in this state is a worthy tribute and serves as an encouragement to other talented Texas poets. The Legislature of the State of Texas designates a Poet Laureate who has exhibited exceptional ability in capturing the beauty of this state, some facet of its history, or the proud spirit of its people. S.C.R. 37 would create a committee to research and designate two Poets Laureate for the State of Texas. PURPOSE As proposed, S.C.R. 37 submits the following resolutions: That the 76th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby creates a special committee to designate two Poets Laureate for the State of Texas to serve a term of one year, beginning November 1, 1999 and ending October 31, 2000, and another beginning November 1, 2000 and ending October 31, 2001. That the committee is composed of three members of the senate to be appointed by the lieutenant governor and three members of the house of representatives to be appointed by the speaker of the house. Requires the lieutenant governor and speaker of the house to each designate a cochair from among their appointees to call committee meetings, and the committee to subsequently meet at the call of the cochairs. That each committee member may nominate no more than two poets for each year, and from the list of nominees, the committee members elect a Poet Laureate. Prohibits a member from voting for their nominees in the election. That persons designated as poet laureates are superior and recognized poets, who are citizens of the State of Texas.