The position of Poet Laureate of Virginia was established December 18, 1936 by the Virginia General Assembly. Originally, the Poet Laureate of Virginia was appointed without outside consultation by the General Assembly, usually for one year, in a process that has been described being "more of a political thing". As of 1996, the procedure was changed and most recently codified in 1998 in Virginia Code, Sec. 7.1–43, as follows: 7.1-43. Poet laureate. The honorary position of Poet Laureate of Virginia is hereby created. Beginning in 1998, the Governor may appoint a poet laureate from a list of nominees submitted by the Poetry Society of Virginia. Each poet laureate shall serve a term of two years with no restrictions on reappointment. (1997, c. 299.) The Virginia General Assembly now confirms the governor's appointment. Source: Wikipedia (en)