SENATE BILL REPORT

SCR 8430

BYSenators Talmadge, Owen, Conner and Bender

Urging the display of the prisoner-of-war and missing-in-action flag.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 23, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 8430 be substituted therefor, and the substitute concurrent resolution do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Zimmerman, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Garrett, Halsan, Metcalf.

Senate Staff:Sam Thompson (786-7754)

                  February 23, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, FEBRUARY 23, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Approximately 50,000 Americans are still listed as prisoners of war or missing in action from World War II, the Korean War, and the war in Southeast Asia.  It is suggested that the display of a prisoner-of-war and missing-in-action flag be encouraged as a reminder to pursue efforts to locate and return any POWs or MIAs.

SUMMARY:

Cities and towns are encouraged to display the prisoner-of-war and missing-in-action flag.  In addition, the Legislature recommends that the state Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the capitol campus, dedicated in 1982, be resurfaced and inscribed to honor those still listed as POWs and MIAs and that the POW-MIA flag be flown near the memorial.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Changes ensure that the inscription on the Memorial will honor former POWs or MIAs, and that the flag will be flown on a permanent basis.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Michael Booth, Vietnam Veterans' Coalition