House Representative William Shirley (R) of Clarke County stated Friday that an amendment to House Bill 2509 died on the calendar but there will be additional attempts to get the bill passed.
House Bill 2509 was to provide that lands and property of Mississippi State University and the University of Southern Mississippi will not be subject to taxation; however, Shirley added an amendment concerning the state flag. That amendment read that any state entity which receives state funds should be required to fly the state flag. The bill passed the House in a 60/56 in favor but was later held on a motion to reconsider and was to go before a committee conference. That bill then died on the calendar.
Many universities around the state quit flying the state flag because of the controversial design. Opponents of the flag feel it is divisive and does not represent the state as a whole. However, in 2001 the decision to change or keep the flag design went to the voters in a flag referendum on the ballot. The majority of Mississippians voted in favor of keeping the state flag, which was unofficially adopted in the year 1894.
“This (amendment) is not about the design; the flag could be any of any color or design but I think if they (state entities) are receiving state funds they should be required to fly the state flag,” Shirley said.
Shirley stated that Rep. Greg Snowden added a substitute amendment that would allow them to choose to fly the State Flag or a Magnolia Flag but that motion was tabled.
Shirley adds he will continue working to get this amendment passed in future bills in the House.
