LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan Democrats are tackling the big issues in the waning days of the lame duck session. Rep. Phil Skaggs (D-East Grand Rapids) introduced a bill this week that would commission the creation of a new state flag through a design contest.

House Bill 6190 would bring together artists, historians, and graphic designers from Michigan’s universities as well as appointed state officials to create the flag. If the bill is passed and signed into law, the new flag design would be officially adopted on Jan. 1, 2026.

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The proposed bill received mixed reactions on social media.

 

 

 

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Michigan’s state flag has a rich history. According to the Michigan Department of State, Lewis Cass designed the Great Seal. Cass served as Michigan’s second (non-acting) territorial governor. It says, “The seal was patterned after the seal of the Hudson Bay Fur Company. It was presented to the Constitutional Convention of 1835 and adopted on June 2, 1835 as the official Great Seal of Michigan.”

HB 6190 was referred to the Committee on Government Operations for review and possible approval.