Bill to change the state flag passes in the Mississippi House

After legislators cleared the way Saturday to suspend the rules to consider a law changing the Mississippi state flag, lawmakers have spent Sunday afternoon in the process of writing and passing the law.

Earlier Sunday, the Mississippi House of Representatives passed a bill, HB 1796, to make the change a reality with an overwhelming majority of 91-23. The bill removes the current flag which contains the Confederate battle flag. It also sets up the commission to design alternatives to present to Mississippi’s voters in November.

The bill is now being debated in the state Senate.

The resolution passed Saturday carried a much higher bar than passing a bill. Saturday’s vote required a two-thirds majority in both chambers. Passing the bill being debated Sunday requires only simple majorities.

You can watch the Senate debate live on the Mississippi Legislature website.