Olympia, Wash. – Lawmakers in Washington state are considering a proposal that could lead to a new state flag, igniting debate over the necessity and cost of such a change. During a public hearing on Tuesday, legislators discussed whether replacing the current green flag with the state seal is a worthwhile endeavor or a distraction from more pressing legislative matters.
Proposal Details
House Bill 1938 aims to establish a committee responsible for overseeing the flag’s redesign. The group, composed of lawmakers, historians, artists, and other stakeholders, would collect public input and evaluate design submissions. A final selection would need to be reached unanimously by July 2028, after which the legislature would arrange for a statewide vote to approve the new flag. Any future redesigns would also require voter approval.
The Case for Change
Proponents of the bill argue that Washington’s flag is outdated and visually uninspired. It is the only U.S. state flag with a green background and the only one to prominently feature a former president. A 2001 survey by the North American Vexillological Association ranked it among the weaker flag designs in North America.
Bradley Lockhart, the designer of Bellingham’s city flag, testified before the House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee, emphasizing the unifying power of a strong flag. He cited Bellingham’s flag, adopted in 2017, as an example of a design that initially faced skepticism but ultimately became a beloved symbol in the community.
Mr Lockhart has also proposed his own version of the Washington State Flag which has been gaining lots of traction across the state.
“It’s on murals, sculptures, garbage trucks, baked into cookies, and even tattooed on people,” Lockhart said. “That’s the kind of flag Washington deserves.”
Concerns and Opposition
Critics of the proposal question whether redesigning the flag is a responsible use of state funds, especially given budget constraints and other policy priorities. A financial analysis estimates that the process could cost the state more than $2.3 million over four years.
Some opponents also argue that removing George Washington’s image from the flag would diminish the state’s connection to its namesake. Ryan Jewell, speaking in opposition, stressed the historical significance of Washington’s presence on the flag.
“We are the only state named after a president, and our flag has carried his image for over a century,” Jewell said. “Do we really want to be the generation that removes him?”
Despite the proposal’s potential implications, House Speaker Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma) and Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen (D-Seattle) expressed skepticism about its chances of advancing.
“It’s simply not a high priority for us this session,” Jinkins said.
Pedersen echoed that sentiment, stating, “With so many other legislative issues to address, this proposal is unlikely to gain traction.”
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