State flag redesign

AN ACT Relating to creating the Washington state flag redesign 1
committee to oversee the process of designing a new state flag; 2
amending RCW 1.20.010; adding a new section to chapter 1.20 RCW; 3
creating a new section; and providing expiration dates.4
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:5
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that the Washington 6
state flag often faces criticism for its poor design and lack of 7
relevance to the state's identity. The flag features a detailed 8
portrait of George Washington, making it overly complex and difficult 9
to reproduce which is a violation of key flag design principles that 10
prioritize simplicity. Additionally, while George Washington is an 11
important national figure, he has limited historical connection to 12
the state itself. This makes his image less meaningful as a symbol 13
for the state.14
The legislature further finds that the flag fails in other ways 15
aesthetically. It uses too many colors, and its design is essentially 16
a seal on a green background with text. This is widely regarded as an 17
outdated and uninspired approach to flag design. As one of 28 state 18
flags in the United States that showcase a seal on a solid color, 19
Washington's flag lacks distinctiveness and fails to capture the 20
unique character of the state. The current flag, though historically 21
H-1228.2
HOUSE BILL 1938
State of Washington 69th Legislature 2025 Regular Session
By Representatives Peterson, Reed, and Nance
Read first time 02/11/25. Referred to Committee on State Government
& Tribal Relations.
p. 1 HB 1938
significant, does not resonate with the state's evolving identity. 1
The legislature intends to create the Washington state flag redesign 2
committee that will oversee the process to design and adopt a state 3
flag that symbolizes unity and represents the unique character of the 4
state. 5
This section expires January 1, 2029. 6
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 1.20 RCW 7
to read as follows: 8
(1) The Washington state flag redesign committee is established 9
to oversee the process of designing and adopting a new state flag 10
design that better reflects the diversity and values of all 11
Washingtonians. The committee must approve and adopt one design in 12
accordance with this section by July 1, 2028, that will be the design 13
submitted to the voters under RCW 1.20.010(3). 14
(2) Membership of the committee includes: 15
(a) The director of the Washington state arts commission, or the 16
director's designee, who shall serve as the chair of the committee;17
(b) Two legislators, one each from the minority and majority 18
caucuses in the senate, appointed by the secretary of the senate;19
(c) Two legislators, one each from the minority and majority 20
caucuses of the house of representatives, appointed by the chief 21
clerk of the house of representatives; 22
(d) The secretary of state or the secretary's designee;23
(e) One historian, appointed by the Washington state historical 24
society; 25
(f) Two designers, appointed by the Washington arts commission;26
(g) Two cultural leaders, appointed by the Washington arts 27
commission; 28
(h) Four tribal representatives, appointed by the affiliated 29
tribes of northwest Indians; and 30
(i) Four citizen representatives from different regions of the 31
state, appointed by the governor. 32
(3) Administrative support for the committee is provided by the 33
Washington arts commission. 34
(4) The committee must: 35
(a) Develop and adopt a new design for the official state flag 36
that accurately and respectfully reflects Washington's shared 37
history, resources, and diverse cultural communities;38
p. 2 HB 1938
(b) Solicit public feedback and suggestions to inform its work, 1
by: Participating in outreach to schools, community organizations, 2
and tribes; hosting public forums, virtual discussions, and online 3
surveys to ensure broad participation; and otherwise encouraging the 4
public to submit designs; 5
(c) Review the submitted designs with an eye for creativity, 6
historical relevance, and the ability to represent the state's 7
diverse population and landscapes; 8
(d) Select no more than five designs to move to the final round 9
of public feedback; 10
(e) Adopt, by unanimous vote, the new design that will be 11
included on the ballot of the next general election in accordance 12
with RCW 1.20.010; and 13
(f) By August 1, 2028, and in compliance with RCW 43.01.036, 14
submit a report to the legislature and governor that includes:15
(i) The design of the new flag; 16
(ii) A revised description of the flag to replace the description 17
under RCW 1.20.010; 18
(iii) A description of the symbols and other meanings 19
incorporated in the design; and 20
(iv) Details on the next steps in the process to adopt the new 21
design, including legislation needed to place the new design on the 22
ballot at the next general election in accordance with RCW 1.20.010.23
(5) The committee may contract with vexillologists and other 24
persons who have either technical or artistic skill in flag 25
construction and design to assist in the work of the committee.26
(6) This section expires January 1, 2029. 27
Sec. 3. RCW 1.20.010 and 2011 c 336 s 7 are each amended to read 28
as follows: 29
(1) The official flag of the state of Washington shall be of dark 30
green silk or bunting and shall bear in its center a reproduction of 31
the seal of the state of Washington embroidered, printed, painted or 32
stamped thereon. The edges of the flag may, or may not, be fringed. 33
If a fringe is used the same shall be of gold or yellow color of the 34
same shade as the seal. The dimensions of the flag may vary.35
(2) The secretary of state is authorized to provide the state 36
flag to units of the armed forces, without charge therefor, as in his 37
or her discretion he or she deems entitled thereto. The secretary of 38
p. 3 HB 1938
state is further authorized to sell the state flag to any citizen at 1
a price to be determined by the secretary of state.2
(3) The official flag of the state of Washington may not be 3
redesigned without conducting a referendum asking voters whether the 4
state should adopt the proposed new design or keep the current 5
design.6
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p. 4 HB 1938