OLYMPIA, Wash. – Some members of the Washington State Legislature want to initiate a process to redesign the state flag, which could see the removal of George Washington’s portrait.
According to House Bill 1938, critics view the design as overly complex, and not reflective of Washington state’s unique character. George Washington has limited historical connection to the state itself, language in the bill added.
If passed, the bill would pave the way for a Washington State Flag Redesign Committee that would include representatives from the Washington State Arts Commission, legislators from both the senate and house, the Secretary of State, a historian, designers, cultural leaders, tribal representatives, and citizen representatives from different regions of the state.
The committee would then be tasked with seeking public feedback through outreach to schools, community organizations, and tribes, as well as hosting public forums and online surveys before approving a new design by July 1, 2028, which would then be submitted to voters.
The bill is due for a public hearing in Olympia before the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations on February 18.
