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H 708

An act relating to the creation of the State Flag Task Force

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Charlie Kimbell

Vermont would form a State Flag Task Force to design a new, distinctive state flag and seek voter approval for it in a future election.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs
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Bill Summary · H 708

Overview

H.708 (Session 2025-2026, Vermont) proposes creating a State Flag Task Force to develop a new design for the Vermont State Flag. The bill establishes the scope, membership, duties, timeline, and resources for the task force, with the goal of presenting a proposed flag for possible voter action in future elections.

Purpose and intent

  • The bill states that Vermont’s current State Flag design has evolved and dates to 1923, while the Coat of Arms design dates to 1862. It aims to facilitate public input and expert work to create a distinctive new State Flag that reflects Vermont’s current and future identity.
  • The overarching objective is to recommend a new State Flag to the General Assembly and to consider whether to seek voter approval for the final design in a future general election.

Key provisions and changes

  • Creation of a State Flag Task Force: A dedicated body charged with recommending a new flag design.
  • Membership: The Task Force is composed of 10 members:
    • Secretary of State (or designee)
    • State Archivist (or designee)
    • State Curator (or designee)
    • Commissioner of Buildings and General Services (or designee)
    • State Historic Preservation Officer (or designee)
    • Executive Director of Racial Equity (or designee)
    • Chair of the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs (or designee)
    • Executive Director of the Vermont Historical Society (or designee)
    • Executive Director of the Vermont Arts Council (or designee)
    • Executive Director of Vermont Humanities (or designee)
  • Powers and duties: The Task Force must draft a proposal for a new State Flag and solicit public proposals for a new design.
  • Support and resources: Administrative, technical, and legal support provided by the Office of the Secretary of State.
  • Timeline and reporting:
    • Preliminary progress report due to House and Senate Government Operations Committees by March 31, 2027.
    • Final findings and recommendations (including whether to seek voter approval) due by December 1, 2027.
    • Consideration of final design for voter approval at the November 2028 general election (if the General Assembly pursues it).
  • Meetings and operations:
    • First meeting to be convened by September 15, 2026.
    • The Task Force must select a chair at its first meeting.
    • A majority constitutes a quorum.
    • The Task Force expires on December 31, 2027.
  • Compensation: Members not otherwise compensated may receive per diem and expense reimbursement under 32 V.S.A. § 1010 for up to eight meetings.

Who is affected

  • State government and its operations, particularly agencies listed in the membership (Secretary of State, State Archivist, State Curator, Buildings and General Services, Historic Preservation, Racial Equity, Native American Affairs, Vermont Historical Society, Vermont Arts Council, and Vermont Humanities).
  • Public and stakeholders invited to propose flag designs.
  • Vermont voters may be asked to decide on the final flag design if the Legislature chooses to place it on the ballot in 2028.

Procedural and timeline details

  • Effective date: July 1, 2026.
  • Task Force formation: First meeting by September 15, 2026.
  • Preliminary progress report: March 31, 2027.
  • Final report and legislative recommendations: December 1, 2027.
  • Potential voter approval consideration: November 2028 general election.
  • Dissolution: December 31, 2027, unless extended by subsequent action.

Notes

  • The bill does not specify any design concepts or criteria beyond the goal of a “distinctive” flag reflecting Vermont’s identity.
  • The presence of diverse appointees, including representatives related to equity, Native American affairs, history, arts, and humanities, indicates an emphasis on inclusive, cultural, and educational perspectives in the design process.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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