A Michigan lawmaker is at it again with an idea to redesign the state flag after several previous failed attempts.

Rep. Phil Skaggs, D-East Grand Rapids, introduced House Bill 6190 last week, which mirrors legislation he introduced in 2023.

Skaggs’ proposal would create a 17-member flag commission to oversee a public design contest for a new flag.

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Critics, however, question the need to redo the flag, citing potential costs and tradition.

Under the plan, the newly formed flag commission would organize a contest from Jan. 26 to July 26, 2025, and establish other rules and guidelines. The contest would be open to Michiganders with two stipulations: A valid design must be the original work of the person submitting it and have the reverse side mirror the front side.

The flag commission would operate within the Department of State and include two individuals appointed by the governor. In addition, three individuals who are each a professional artist or state historian would be appointed by the Michigan Historical Commission.

Other members would include appointees from six different state universities, two appointed by House leaders and two by Senate leaders, one appointed by the Secretary of State, and one appointed by the Attorney General.

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Officials would announce the winner of the flag design contest in September 2025, with the new flag adopted on Jan. 1, 2026, pending approval. The flag commission must adhere to the Open Meetings Act, and although not compensated, members could be reimbursed for expenses incurred while conducting official duties.

HB 6190 was referred to the Committee on Government Operations for review and possible approval, but the Legislature would have to act during lame duck.

When Skaggs introduced similar legislation last year, he said it’s time for a new design that better represents the state. The current flag is Michigan’s third flag design and was adopted in 1911.

Pereff suggested incorporating the unique shape of Michigan. The current design features a coat of arms set on a dark blue field, with a bald eagle, an elk and moose, and the phrase E Pluribus Unum, Latin for “Out of many, one,” across the top.

The state coat of arms depicts a blue shield, upon which the sun rises over a lake and peninsula, and a man with a raised hand, representing peace and holding a long gun. On the light blue shield is the word Tuebor, meaning “I will defend.” On white ribbon, Si Quæris Peninsulam Amœnam Circumspice represents the official state motto “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.”

Skaggs’ wife, Kate Skaggs, a Lansing lobbyist, even designed her own state flag:

Finally gave in and came up with a #MiNewFlag concept. Green representing our beautiful landscape dotted with white pine; a peaked dune for our globally unique freshwater dunes; all pointing due north symbolizing home; and a sun at full noon because Michigan is at her height. https://t.co/X60pYeVMOf pic.twitter.com/TqcL5kG6zu

— Kate Skaggs (@KateSkaggsMI) June 27, 2023

This isn’t the first time lawmakers have tried to redesign the state flag. In November 2016, former State Sen. Steve Bieda, D-Warren, proposed similar legislation. The late State Rep. Andrea Schroeder, R-Clarkston, introduced a bill in 2021 but no action was taken.

Skaggs previously said that it is not the most pressing issue, but a new flag is still something that could make a positive impact for the state. He noted it was a bipartisan bill the last time it was introduced.

“(Places like) Chicago, Arizona, Colorado, the United States, Canada. These are really amazing flags that get used throughout the community and create a sense of pride and unity,” Skaggs previously told WOOD TV-8.

Skaggs would like to see a less formal flag, one that people will fly outside of their homes and will put on bumper stickers or wear on hats and T-shirts. Designs should capture Michigan’s natural beauty and economic identity. He could see the new flag incorporating green and blue for Michigan’s forests, lakes, and rivers, he previously told WOOD TV-8.

The initiative comes amid a nationwide trend among states to rethink their flags and state symbols. In recent years, states like Utah, Nebraska, and Mississippi also have pursued flag redesigns to foster unity and pride.