MS HB248

Establishes a Commission to Redesign the Mississippi State Flag with a mandate to develop and report a new flag design to the Governor and Legislature by January 1, 2020, to be unveiled during the first week of September 2020.

New flag design must exclude the Confederate Battle Flag and shall "honor the past while embracing the promise of the future."

Commission composition includes 17 members: 3 House members appointed by the Speaker, 3 Senate members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, and 11 members appointed by the Governor including high school students, educators, representatives from the Mississippi Arts Commission and Archives and History Board, and business leaders.

Commission authorized to hold public meetings, receive written comments, hold public hearings, consult with experts and organizations, and keep public minutes of all proceedings.

Members receive no compensation but may be reimbursed for actual expenses; current state flag remains in use until the Legislature considers the commission's recommendation.