Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HR71

Introduced

2/12/25

Refer

2/12/25

Caption

A Concurrent Resolution establishing the Pennsylvania State Flag Commission to study the history of the State flag of the Commonwealth, solicit design submissions for a new State flag and recommend changes to the State flag.

Impact

If passed, this resolution would signal a significant shift in how the state's visual identity is perceived and represented. The formation of the State Flag Commission would facilitate a collaborative review to create a flag that more vividly represents Pennsylvania's character while adhering to effective design standards. Furthermore, the involvement of public commentary and submissions is encouraged, ensuring that the new design resonates with citizens across the Commonwealth. This engagement could foster a sense of state pride and ownership in the new emblem.

Summary

House Resolution 71, presented during the 2025 session, seeks to establish the Pennsylvania State Flag Commission. The primary objective of this commission is to delve into the historical context of Pennsylvania's state flag, gather design proposals for a new flag, and ultimately recommend revisions to the current state flag design. The resolution indicates that the existing flag bears a blue background with the state coat of arms, a design criticized for lacking distinction and failing to adhere to established principles of good flag design as outlined by the North American Vexillological Association.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR71 appears to be generally positive, particularly among those who seek to modernize the representation of the state flag. Supporters believe that a new design would not only align with good flag principles but would also elevate Pennsylvania's identity in a manner that is both unique and recognizable. However, there are potential points of contention regarding tradition vs. modernization, as some may prefer to retain the historical aspects of the current flag instead of adopting a new design.

Contention

The resolution explicitly calls into question the effectiveness of Pennsylvania's existing flag design, pointing out that it violates the principles of simplicity and symbolism required for a good flag. This raises debates about the balance between honoring historical elements and adopting a more contemporary, effective representation. Given that the commission can create subgroups and solicit extensive public input, the discussions around which designs to favor may become contentious, particularly as various stakeholders advocate for their preferred representations of state identity.

Latest PA HR71 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session HR71

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HR163

PA HR41

A Concurrent Resolution establishing the Pennsylvania State Song Commission to study the history of the State song of the Commonwealth, solicit submissions for a new State song and recommend changes to the State song.

PA HB2264

Amending the act of June 13, 1907 (P.L.560, No.373), entitled "An act designating the official flag of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and describing the same; providing for the carrying of such flag by the regiments of the National Guard of Pennsylvania; authorizing the Secretary of the Commonwealth to provide, and have deposited in the office of Secretary of the Commonwealth, a model of said flag, and making an appropriation therefor," further providing for title of act; and providing for the proper procedure to fold the designated flag of the Commonwealth.

PA SR295

Directing the Joint State Government Commission, along with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Department of Environmental Protection, to conduct an assessment and develop recommendations with the intention of establishing a comprehensive State energy strategy for this Commonwealth.

PA HB1913

Providing for the annual designation and holiday observance of June 14 as Flag Day, September 17 as Constitution Day and March 4 as Charter Day in this Commonwealth.

PA SB1107

Designating Hershey's Kisses as the official State candy of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

PA HB1030

Designating Hershey's Kisses as the official State candy of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

PA HB1955

Amending the act of March 4, 1970 (P.L.128, No.49), entitled "An act granting to the Governor of the Commonwealth the sole authority for regulating the display of the flag of the United States from any public ground or building and from any ground or building of certain other institutions," further providing for display of flag.

PA HR236

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a thorough and comprehensive study on truck parking in Pennsylvania and provide recommendations to effectively address this issue.

PA SR52

A Concurrent Resolution establishing a delegation to represent the Commonwealth at the Amendment Convention pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States entitled the Article V Amendment Convention and limited to proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to grant State Legislatures authority to countermand and rescind any mandate issued by any Branch of the Federal Government or their agencies that encroach on states' rights and the personal liberties of their citizens.

Similar Bills

PA HB157

In Pennsylvania Preferred® Trademark, further providing for definitions, for Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark, for licensee qualification, for duties and authority of department, for trademark license agreement, application and licensure process, for costs, for Pennsylvania Preferred® Trademark Licensing Fund, for injunctive relief, for rules and regulations and for purpose, repealing provisions relating to definitions and further providing for qualified veterans and qualified veteran business entities.

PA SR108

Congratulating The Pennsylvania State University wrestling team on its 11th National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Championship and Pennsylvania residents who competed and placed during the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Wrestling Championship.

PA HB179

Authorizing the provision or sale of Pennsylvania milk in Pennsylvania schools.

PA HB997

Authorizing the provision or sale of Pennsylvania milk in Pennsylvania schools.

PA SB297

Authorizing the provision or sale of Pennsylvania milk in Pennsylvania schools.

PA SB463

Authorizing the provision or sale of Pennsylvania milk in Pennsylvania schools.

PA HB2273

In licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for Pennsylvania Malt and Brewed Beverages Industry Promotion Board and for Pennsylvania Wine Marketing and Research Program Board; and, in distilleries, wineries, bonded warehouses, bailees for hire and transporters for hire, establishing the Pennsylvania Distilled Spirits Industry Promotion Board.

PA HB364

Providing for the Pennsylvania Amber Alert System for Abducted and Missing Persons, the Missing Endangered Person Advisory System (MEPAS) and the Green Alert System and for duties of the Pennsylvania State Police; assessing costs; providing for immunity and penalties; and making a repeal.