Makenzie Huber, South Dakota Searchlight – A bill that would create a commission to study and possibly propose a new state flag design to the Legislature and Governor’s Office failed in the Senate State Affairs Committee in a 5-3 vote on Monday.
Proponents of the bill, which was introduced by Democratic Sen. Reynold Nesiba from Sioux Falls, said a redesign could increase awareness of the state and bolster pride and unity among South Dakotans.
South Dakota fails four out of the five guidelines for “good flag design” put forth by the North American Vexillology Association, said Zach DeBoer, an educator and artist from Sioux Falls.
South Dakota’s flag has 17 words (more than any other state, and with South Dakota spelled out twice) and includes an intricate state seal on a blue background.
Such a wordy and complicated design prevents the state flag’s use on merchandise, DeBoer argued, and deters South Dakotans from identifying with and flying the flags themselves.
“People aren’t using our flag to show how proud they are of being from South Dakota. That’s not happening,” DeBoer told lawmakers. “You don’t see it on shirts or hats. You can’t find flag merch at Wall Drug or Reptile Gardens. You definitely won’t see anyone getting it tattooed on their body.”
Legislators who voted against the bill said the current state flag does its job well enough.
“Tradition is important,” said Sen. Erin Tobin, R-Winner. “I don’t feel we need to modernize our flag for reasons of PR.”
While Nesiba is term-limited in the Senate and does not plan to run for the House this year, constituents that brought the bill to his attention say they hope the discussion will continue in future sessions.