HB1231: relative to the state flag.

HB 1231-FN - AS INTRODUCED

2003 SESSION

03-2055

04/01

HOUSE BILL 1231-FN

AN ACT relative to the state flag.

SPONSORS: Rep. Morris, Rock 84; Rep. Itse, Rock 80; Rep. Cataldo, Straf 68; Sen. Sapareto, Dist 19

COMMITTEE: Executive Departments and Administration

ANALYSIS

This bill proposes a revised design of the New Hampshire state flag which would include the words "live free or die" and a representation of the Old Man of the Mountain.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

03-2055

04/01

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Three

AN ACT relative to the state flag.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 Statement of Intent. The general court finds that:

I. The embodiment of what the Old Man of the Mountain and "Live Free or Die" represents is already instilled in us all as citizens of the great state of New Hampshire in our work ethic, moral fortitude, and beliefs.

II. The state of New Hampshire stands alone, not just in our unique citizens' representative form of government, but also in our extremely proud and honorable representation of our "New Hampshire First" engagement in the primary election process. Whether it is spoken or unspoken, and whether it is acknowledged or not, we maintain we are first in the nation in many regards and remain steadfastly proud of not just this fact, but additionally the symbols that help continue to define for us our accomplishments, our beliefs, and our principles.

III. Our ideals are already in place, in paying tribute to our singularly most coveted symbol of pride, our very dear and sadly missed "Old Man of the Mountain." We exert our energy and apply our persistence in including him on the material representations of what we all stand for. It is time we brought these elements up to pace with everything we all have already been doing-and living, philosophically, as a state.

IV. The Old Man of the Mountain is with us daily. We intend to memorialize him with the other symbols that clearly indicate New Hampshire citizens' character and determination.

2 State Flag; Design Revised. Amend RSA 3:2 to read as follows:

3:2 State Flag. The state flag shall be of the following color and design: The body or field shall be blue and shall bear upon its center in suitable proportion and colors a representation of the state seal. The seal shall be surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves with nine stars interspersed. Centered beneath the state seal shall appear the words LIVE FREE OR DIE in upper case letters within a banner which shall have a white field, a gold trimmed border, and which shall be folded at each end. In the lower right hand corner of the flag shall appear a representation of the Old Man of the Mountain in suitable proportion to the body of the flag. When used for military purposes the flag shall conform to the regulations of the United States.

3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

LBAO

03-2055

7/3/03

HB 1231-FN - FISCAL NOTE

AN ACT relative to the state flag.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The Department of Administrative Services states this bill will increase state expenditures by $59,800 in FY 2004, county expenditures by $3,640 in FY 2004, and local expenditures by $97,344 in FY 2004. There will be no fiscal impact on state, county, and local revenue.

METHODOLOGY:

The Department states there are approximately 500 state flags currently on display at state facilities, and approximately 650 state flags in storage at state facilities and state agencies that sell flags. The 1,150 flags will have to be replaced at a cost of $52 per flag, increasing state expenditures by $59,800 in FY 2004. The Department estimates there are 50 state flags on display at county facilities, and approximately 20 flags in county storage. The 70 flags will have to be replaced at a cost of $52 per flag, increasing county expenditures by $3,640 in FY 2004. Finally, there are approximately 1,404 state flags currently on display at municipal facilities, and approximately 468 state flags in municipal storage. The 1,872 flags will have to be replaced at a cost of $52 per flag, increasing local expenditures by $97,344 in FY 2004.