2-15-242. State poet laureate. (1) There is a state poet laureate.

(2) Within 30 days prior to the expiration of the state poet laureate's term of appointment or within 30 days after a vacancy in the position occurs, the Montana arts council established in 22-2-101 shall nominate three individuals to be the state poet laureate. The Montana arts council shall provide the list of nominees to the governor who shall:

(a) within 30 days after receiving the list of nominees, appoint the state poet laureate from among the individuals named on the list; and

(b) notify the secretary of state and the Montana arts council of the appointment.

(3) The individual named by the governor as the state poet laureate shall serve for a term of 2 years beginning on the date of appointment by the governor.

(4) The state poet laureate is an honorary position, and the person serving as the state poet laureate may not receive any compensation from the state for serving as the state poet laureate.