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.
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.
Providing for the Pennsylvania Amber Alert System, the Missing Endangered Person Advisory System and the Green Alert System and for duties of the Pennsylvania State Police; assessing costs; providing for immunity and penalties; and making a repeal.
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study and establish an advisory committee to determine the impact on Pennsylvania taxpayers of Pennsylvania State Police full or partial police services for municipalities that do not maintain full police coverage.
Authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Susquehanna Regional Transportation Authority certain lands situate in the City of Harrisburg, Dauphin County; authorizing the transfer of an easement interest in lands for a portion of the Project 70 lands owned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, known as Lake Winola Access, in Overfield Township, Wyoming County, to the Department of Transportation; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, to convey to Tioga County a tract of land, and to accept a tract of land from Tioga County, both tracts being located in Charleston Township, Tioga County; and authorizing the Department of General Services, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with the approval of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Governor, to grant and convey to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, solely for the use of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, a parcel in Lehigh Township, Carbon County, in exchange for a tract partly in Nesquehoning Borough and partly in Lehigh Township, Carbon County, to be conveyed to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting by and through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and added to Lehigh Gorge State Park.