Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to support the arts and cultural heritage in Minnesota by providing funding for a Youth Poet Laureate program. This initiative seeks to encourage and celebrate young poets across the state.

Main Provisions

• The bill allocates $100,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
• The funds are designated for the Minnesota Humanities Center, which will distribute a grant to a nonprofit organization.
• The selected nonprofit will operate a statewide youth poet laureate program.
• The program will choose a Youth Poet Laureate, aged 13 to 19, through a competitive process, similar to the National Youth Poet Laureate program.

Significant Changes

• This bill establishes a structured, funded mechanism for recognizing and promoting young poets in Minnesota.
• It formalizes the role of the Youth Poet Laureate at the state level, similar to national initiatives.

Relevant Terms

Minnesota Youth Poet Laureate, arts and cultural heritage fund, Minnesota Humanities Center, competitive selection process, youth poetry, nonprofit grant, National Youth Poet Laureate program.