According to the resolution, the design would not include the Confederate flag, but it would include the words “In God We Trust”. If voters reject the design, the commission could present another option at the 2021 legislative session. Gov. Tate Reeves (Lt. Gov. Three people would be appointed to each commission by Speaker Philip Gunn and Delbert Hosemann. Three representatives from the Mississippi Economic Council, Mississippi Arts Commission and Mississippi Department of Archives and History must be appointed by the governor. The speaker and lieutenant governor do not have to be appointed to specific commissions. During the Sunday legislative process, the exact details of this bill could change. The bill can be changed at any time to alter the process for replacing the flag, or to force a vote on keeping the current flag. Based on Saturday’s vote regarding the rules suspension resolution it seems that both Senate and the House leaders have the votes necessary to end the current flag, which has been in use since 1894. It is noteworthy that the controversial issue was voted on at such a late stage of the session. It is not easy to get a two-thirds vote in favor of suspending rules for any reason, especially on the long-contentious issue about the state flag. The supporters of the flag change have struggled for years to get the majority necessary to alter the controversial banner via the regular legislative process. The tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, a Black man caused nationwide protests. This brought to light the flag many consider racist. In recent weeks, there has been a lot of pressure from religious, civic, university and sports leaders to take the Confederate emblem off the flag. There is a growing number of cities, counties, and other groups that have stopped flying the flag, or requested leaders to change it. A growing number of religious leaders have voiced concern, saying that changing the flag was a “moral issue.” This month, the NCAA, SEC and Conference USA took action to ban play in the state’s post-season until the flag is changed. Our reporters gave a human face to the policy’s impact on everyday Mississippians by listening more closely and understanding those who live in Mississippi’s communities. To ensure that our work is aligned with the priorities and needs of Mississippians, we are listening to you. Click the button below to let us know what you think. Republish this Story