Howland-based State Representative Nick Santucci is sponsoring legislation that would require all Ohio and U.S. flags flown over public buildings be made in the USA.

Additionally, the bill would prohibit state agencies and political subdivision from purchasing Ohio and/or U.S. flags not made in the USA with public funds.

According to a press release, only 6% of American flags are produced outside of the U.S. with 94% of imported flags being made in China. Meanwhile, Ohio flags are manufactured by inmates at the Ohio Reformatory for Women.

According to the release, Ohio law already requires state agencies to purchase Ohio flags from Ohio Penal Industries (OPI), but no law provides guidance for the purchase of flags by political subdivisions.

Santucci told 21 News if a flag is being paid for by taxpayers, it should be made in the U.S.

"It is only appropriate that American flags be made in America," Santucci said in the release.

Santucci tells us other states like Arkansas and Florida have legislation like this as well.

The bill is now headed to the Senate for further consideration. Santucci tells 21 News there is no way to predict what the Senate will do, but says as long as it's deemed worthy to be considered on the Senate floor, he's optimistic that it will pass.

Santucci went on to say if the bill does not pass, he has every intention of reintroducing it.