Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF4716

Introduced
3/7/24  

Caption

Effective date of state flag and state seal designs adoption by State Emblems Redesign Commission modified to be contingent on affirmative vote of two-thirds of the house of representatives and two-thirds of the senate.

Impact

The proposed adjustments to the approval process for state symbols reflect broader concerns about representation and state identity. Supporters of HF4716 argue that it ensures that modifications to such symbolic elements are reflective of a wide consensus in the state legislature, thereby enhancing democratic governance. The bill suggests that future changes should not be undertaken lightly, preserving the integrity of the state’s official symbols during transitions.

Summary

House File 4716, introduced in the Minnesota Legislature, pertains to the official state flag and state seal designs. The bill mandates that the designs adopted by the State Emblems Redesign Commission will only take effect if approved by a two-thirds majority vote from both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This condition aims to uphold a significant level of legislative scrutiny before any changes can be formally recognized. Furthermore, the bill outlines an effective date retroactively from July 1, 2023, should the legislative approval be granted as specified.

Contention

Discussion surrounding HF4716 may highlight tension between various stakeholders, such as those who support the redesign of state symbols based on evolving societal values and those who prioritize tradition and continuity in the representation of state identity. Notably, the two-thirds voting requirement could be seen as either a safeguard against hasty decisions or a potential barrier to progressive changes desired by certain groups within Minnesota.

Companion Bills

MN SF4811

Similar To Effective date modification of the state flag and state seal designs adopted by the State Emblems Redesign Commission to be contingent on the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the house of representatives and two-thirds of the senate

Previously Filed As

MN SF4811

Effective date modification of the state flag and state seal designs adopted by the State Emblems Redesign Commission to be contingent on the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the house of representatives and two-thirds of the senate

MN HF4803

Secretary of state required to place questions on 2024 state general election ballot related to approval of state flag and state seal designs adopted by State Emblems Redesign Commission.

MN SF4771

State flag and state seal designs adopted by the State Emblems Redesign Commission 2024 general election ballot questions placement requirement

MN HF4804

Secretary of state required to place questions on 2024 state general election ballot related to approval of state flag and state seal designs adopted by State Emblems Redesign Commission, and State Symbol Design Commission established under certain circumstances.

MN HF4971

Secretary of state required to place advisory questions on 2024 state general election ballot related to state flag and state seal designs adopted by State Emblems Redesign Commission.

MN SF5184

Secretary of state requirement to place advisory questions on the 2024 state general election ballot related to the state flag and state seal designs adopted by the State Emblems Redesign Commission

MN SF4770

State flag and state seal designs adopted by the State Emblems Redesign Commission 2024 general election ballot questions placement requirement, establishing a State symbol Design Commission if a ballot question placed on the 2024 state general election is not adopted

MN HF4807

State constitutional amendment related to adoption of official state flag and state seal proposed.

MN SF386

Commission creation to redesign the official state flag and the official state seal

MN SF3622

Constitutional amendment requirement to adopt designs for state emblems

Similar Bills

MN SF3622

Constitutional amendment requirement to adopt designs for state emblems

MN HF3770

Constitutional amendment required to adopt designs for state emblems.

MN SF3309

Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act implementation dates delay

MN HF2939

Implementation dates for provisions of the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act delayed.

MN SF4811

Effective date modification of the state flag and state seal designs adopted by the State Emblems Redesign Commission to be contingent on the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the house of representatives and two-thirds of the senate

MN SF4771

State flag and state seal designs adopted by the State Emblems Redesign Commission 2024 general election ballot questions placement requirement

MN HF4803

Secretary of state required to place questions on 2024 state general election ballot related to approval of state flag and state seal designs adopted by State Emblems Redesign Commission.

MN HF42

Labor trafficking definitions amended, penalties enhanced, conforming changes made relating to statewide human trafficking assessment, and Sentence Guidelines Commission required to consider assigning a severity level ranking to the labor trafficking crime.