North Dakota should require that all U.S. flags sold in the state be American-made, a group of state legislators say.

Sen. Tim Flakoll, R-Fargo, said the proposal, which the lawmakers want to introduce in the 2009 Legislature, would take effect July 4, 2010.

"It's the symbol of our country," Flakoll said. "If anything should be made in America, it should be our flag."

The proposed legislation would cover North Dakota sales of U.S. flags and flag pins, Flakoll said. It would make it illegal for stores to sell an imported U.S. flag, although it still would be legal for someone to possess one.

The Flag Manufacturers Association of America certifies when an American flag is made in the United States with domestic materials, and there are a number of suppliers, Flakoll said.

The bill's sponsors are Flakoll, Sens. Dwight Cook of Mandan and Dick Dever of Bismarck; and Reps. Donald Clark of Fargo, Mark Owens of Grand Forks and Blair Thoreson of Fargo. All are Republicans who are up for re-election this fall.

- Associated Press