BILL ANALYSIS                                                                                                                                                                                                    



                                                                  AB 113
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          Date of Hearing:   April 18, 2001

                        ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
                              Carole Migden, Chairwoman

                    AB 113 (Pavley) - As Amended:  April 5, 2001 

          Policy Committee:                              Business and  
          Professions  Vote:                            9-0

          Urgency:     No                   State Mandated Local Program:  
          No     Reimbursable:               

           SUMMARY  

          This bill:

          1)Establishes the position of California Poet Laureate, to be  
            appointed by the governor from a list of three nominees  
            provided by the California Arts Council.  (The appointment  
            would be limited to two two-year terms.)  

          2)Requires the arts council to: 

             a)   Provide for poet laureate's expenses, including the  
               costs of providing at least six public readings around the  
               state over the two-year term.  (The council is also  
               authorized to establish a stipend for the poet laureate.)

             b)   Publish every 10 years (commencing in 2010) an anthology  
               featuring works of poets laureate over the preceding  
               decade.

           FISCAL EFFECT  

          1)Minor annual GF costs (less than $20,000) for the poet  
            laureate's expenses and stipend.

          2)Minor GF costs of about $25,000 every 10 years to publish the  
            anthology.

           COMMENTS  

           Purpose  .  California's most recent Poet Laureate, Charles  
          Garrigus, a former legislato, was appointed by legislative  








                                                                  AB 113
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          resolution in 1966.  He held the position until his death in  
          October 2000. This bill creates a statutory method for  
          appointing the California Poet Laureate for a limited term.  The  
          appointment process is similar to methods used in a number of  
          other states as well as some California cities.  Supporters  
          emphasize that the state's Poet Laureate should be an important  
          role model for all Californians, especially youth with literary  
          interests.  Supporters believe having someone in this position  
          will actively promote poetry and literacy and benefit the state.

           Analysis Prepared by  :    Chuck Nicol / APPR. / (916)319-2081