Bill > H2873

This bill establishes a special commission to investigate and examine the official seal and motto of the Commonwealth, including any controversial, misunderstood, or outdated aspects, to ensure they accurately represent the Commonwealth's commitments to peace, justice, liberty, equality, and education. The commission will then make recommendations for revised or new designs for the seal and motto, and propose an educational program about their history and meaning. The commission will be composed of members from the senate and house of representatives, designees from various state offices including the secretary of the commonwealth and historical commission, and five individuals appointed by the governor, three of whom must be of Native American descent from Massachusetts tribes. The commission is required to report its findings and any proposed legislation to the general court by the first Wednesday of December 2012, and while it will not receive state funds, it can accept grants and gifts from other sources.