Economic committee hears from public on changing the Utah State Flag

SALT LAKE CITY — On Tuesday, an economic committee heard from the public about whether or not the Utah state flag should be changed.

The idea to redesign the flag has been around for a long time now. You wouldn’t be wrong in wondering if the bill to change the flag design will ever be decided.

The economic committee heard the thoughts and feelings of a number of people both for and against S.B. 31.

Those against sang to the tune of maintaining history and say it won’t achieve the Utah rebrand the government is looking for.

While those in support of the flag change said it was time to give a fresh look to the state of Utah and make the flag simpler and more identifiable.

Chad Saunders, a resident of Stansbury Park, is against the bill.

“I think there’s been a lot of work put in. I think it’s been sincere,” Saunders says. “But the people are overwhelming asking you to vote no on this. If we want to work on something like this, let’s put it to the people [and] let them decide.”

It was young and old sharing their feelings to the committee. Layton third grader, Regine Hammock, shared her support for the redesign.

“The new Utah flag is easy to draw. It’s beautiful. And, it’s easy for children to tell an adult what it looks like,” Hammock says.

The bill still needs to be heard by the full house, so with four days to go in the legislative session, whether it will make it to the Governor’s desk is anybody’s guess.

Devin Oldroyd contributed to this story.

Further reading

• Is it time for Utah to upgrade the state flag?
• Potential redesign of new Utah State Flag emphasizes Native American tribes
• New Utah state flag chosen after months of deliberation
• Bills dealing with diversity, equity, and inclusion stall in Utah legislature