CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION

97

CHAPTER 42

Statutes of 2025

Introduced by Senator Allen

February 27, 2025

Relative to California Poetry Out Loud.

Fiscal committee: no

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

This measure would celebrate March 17, 2025, as the 20th anniversary of California Poetry Out Loud.

WHEREAS, The California Arts Council will host the 2025 Poetry Out Loud state finals on March 16 and 17, 2025, in Sacramento; and

WHEREAS, The 2025 program marks the 20th anniversary of California’s Poetry Out Loud; and

WHEREAS, Poetry Out Loud is a nationwide program engaging high school pupils in discovery and learning about poetry through memorization, performance, and competition; and

WHEREAS, Poetry Out Loud inspires in high school pupils the confidence to make themselves heard, using one of the most powerful tools at their disposal: art; and

WHEREAS, California’s Poetry Out Loud is the largest event of its kind in the United States; and

WHEREAS, In 2025, 17,311 pupils and 416 teachers participated in the 2025 school and county Poetry Out Loud competitions across California; and

WHEREAS, The California Arts Council collaborates with State-Local Partnership (SLP) agencies to act as county partners for California Poetry Out Loud, organizing the program in their local schools and communities; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature joins the California Arts Council in celebrating the 20th anniversary of California Poetry Out Loud on March 17, 2025; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature hereby declares the state’s appreciation to every pupil, teacher, and county partner for their commitment to art, history, and poetry through participation in the California Poetry Out Loud program; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.