Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF4804

Introduced
3/11/24  

Caption

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.

Impact

Should HF4804 pass, it would impact Minnesota Statutes by amending sections related to state symbols. The bill emphasizes the need for public engagement in the design process by directing the Secretary of State to ensure that voters have access to reproductions of proposed designs. If either design is approved during the election, they will officially become the new state symbols effective from May 2025. This legislative language highlights the importance of public involvement in state emblems.

Summary

House File 4804 (HF4804) mandates the Secretary of State to present questions regarding the approval of new designs for the state flag and state seal during the 2024 state general election. This requirement is in connection with the designs developed by the State Emblems Redesign Commission. If the ballot questions are not approved, the bill stipulates the establishment of the State Symbols Design Commission, which would consider alternate designs for representation in a subsequent election.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HF4804 may arise from varying opinions on the current designs of the state flag and seal. Some advocates argue that an update is necessary to better reflect Minnesota's diverse population and history, while opponents may view the changes as unnecessary or disrespectful to tradition. The requirement for a public vote adds a layer of democratic engagement but also means there could be significant debate and community input prior to the election.

Companion Bills

MN SF4770

Similar To 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

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 HF4716

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.

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 SF3622

Constitutional amendment requirement to adopt designs for state emblems

MN HF3770

Constitutional amendment required to adopt designs for state emblems.

MN HF274

Commission created to redesign the official state flag and official state seal, and report required.

Similar Bills

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 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 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 HF4411

Elections, campaign finance, and secretary of state funding provided and policy modified; voting rights act cost sharing account established; transfers and appropriations modified; and money appropriated.

MN HF3557

Election administration provisions modified, voter registration requirements modified, voting instruction and sample ballot requirements amended, tabulation process and equipment requirements amended, notification timeline provided to counties amended, and vacancy in nomination process amended.

MN SF3818

Various provisions modification related to election administration