The Mississippi House of Representatives and Senate have passed House Bill 1796, an act that would remove the current state flag and create a commission that would offer options for a new flag style for citizens to vote during the November election.
The bill can be read HERE
The House passed the bill has passed by a vote 91-13. The Senate passed the bill 37-14. The act now heads to Gov. Tate Reeves, who indicated he planned to sign the bill into law.
District 78 and 84 Reps. Randy Rushing (R-Decatur) and Troy Smith (R-Enterprise) both voted no on the issue. District 31 Sen. Tyler McCaughn, R-Newton, also voted no on the bill.
The bill would establish a commission to determine the proposals for new flag styles, but it "shall not include the design of the Confederate battle flag." It would, however, include the words "In God We Trust" on the new flag.
The new flag designs must be released by Sept. 14 so that the flag designs can be included in color on the November general election ballot.
Yesterday, McCaughn (R-Newton) voted no in a "paired" vote with Sen. Phillip Moran (R-Bay St. Louis). The paired vote canceled each other out, and neither vote was counted for or against.
Watch the Senate here:
