Historic day in Mississippi: the flag will be changed

The Mississippi Senate has passed a bill to clearing the way to change the state flag in Mississippi.

The Senate passed the measure 36-14 at around 4:30 p.m. this afternoon.

The Senate chamber erupted in cheers when the results were announced.

The Mississippi House sent the bill earlier today to the Senate to change the state flag. The House advanced the bill by a 84-35 margin, providing the two thirds majority needed to suspend the rules to consider change.

The resolution establishes a commission to design a new flag by Sept. 14. The new design must include the words “In God We Trust.”

The new design would be voted on by the people Nov. 3.

Read House Concurrent Resolution 79

#MIssissippi Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann announces the Senate has adopted resolution allowing filing of a bill to remove the #Confederate battle emblem from the state flag. #msleg #msgov #msflag pic.twitter.com/lALavyk2NN

— Emily Wagster Pettus (@EWagsterPettus) June 27, 2020

The Mississippi Senate tally on HCR 79. Marks to the right of the name indicates a No vote. (Photo courtesy Leah Smith)

The House board showing the final vote on HCR 79 (Photo by Leah Smith)