Senate Committee Approves Bill Requiring U.S.-Made Flags for State Purchases

Representative Fortner introduced House Bill 1023 to the Senate State Agencies & Governmental Affairs committee, saying the measure would require that all flags purchased with state funds be made in the United States. "All flags that are purchased, with government or state funds, with taxpayer funds in the state of Arkansas will be made in The United States," Representative Fortner said.

The committee did not record questions on the measure and the sponsor closed his remarks. The chair called for a motion; a motion was made and seconded (mover and seconder not specified in the transcript). Members approved the measure by voice vote: committee members responded “aye,” and no opposition was recorded in the transcript. The transcript does not include a roll-call vote or the names of the motion mover and seconder.

Why it matters: the bill would direct procurement of flags paid for with state taxpayer funds toward U.S.-manufactured products, changing vendor eligibility for those purchases if enacted. Representative Fortner told the committee he had received a strong outpouring of support for the proposal but did not provide details about the size or sources of that support on the record.

Next steps and procedural details: the transcript records committee approval by voice vote but does not specify subsequent procedural steps or a floor schedule. The committee adjourned after brief additional business.