HR314: HR314 Rathburn, Chelsea; distinguished Poet Laureate of Georgia; commend

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives honoring Chelsea Rathburn, who has served as Georgia's Poet Laureate since 2019. The resolution recounts her background, including her education, her move to Young Harris, Georgia, her role as an associate professor at Mercer University, and her body of published poetry and prose. The resolution does not change any Georgia law or create any program. It simply states that the House recognizes and celebrates Rathburn's accomplishments and wishes her continued success. It also directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to Rathburn herself.

• Formally recognizes Chelsea Rathburn as the Poet Laureate of Georgia and commends her career and accomplishments.
• Extends the House's sincere wishes for her continued success and happiness.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Rathburn.
• Does not create any new law, funding, program, or requirement affecting the general public.

This resolution directly names and honors Chelsea Rathburn, Georgia's Poet Laureate. It also involves the Clerk of the House of Representatives, who must prepare a copy for her, but it has no effect on the broader public.

Ceremonial resolutions like this one carry no legal or regulatory effect. Their significance is symbolic: they represent a public, official statement of the legislature's appreciation for one Georgian's cultural contributions rather than any change to daily life.

• The resolution's whereas clauses recount Rathburn's biography, education, career, and literary honors, including her 2005 Richard Wilbur Award and 2009 National Endowment for the Arts fellowship.
• The resolved clause has the House of Representatives recognize and celebrate Rathburn as Poet Laureate of Georgia.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to make a copy available for distribution to Rathburn.

1. 2025-02-19House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-02-19House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-19House Hopper (House)

• Lisa Campbell (D, HD-035)Primary sponsor
• Terry Cummings (D, HD-039)
• Sheila Jones (D, HD-060)
• Stacey Evans (D, HD-057)
• Inga Willis (D, HD-055)
• Karen Lupton (D, HD-083)

• Poet Laureate of Georgia
• arts and culture
• Chelsea Rathburn
• legislative honors