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Committee sends HB 96 to the floor to limit flag displays on government property
Summary
House Bill 96 would restrict flags flown on government property to the U.S. flag, state flag, military and related flags, and official government flags; the committee heard two supporters in favor and voted to recommend the bill to the House floor with a due pass, recorded no votes by two members.
Representative Heather Scott, District 2, told the House State Affairs Committee that House Bill 96 would allow government entities in Idaho to display only certain official flags on government property: the United States flag, the Idaho state flag, military flags, POW/MIA flags and ‘‘the official flags of the government itself’’ (the sponsor also referenced tribal flags). Scott said the bill aims to keep government buildings ‘‘neutral and unified’’ and to prevent public property from being used to promote political or social movements.
Two supporters gave public testimony. Lynn Bradescue, who identified herself as the District 19 GOP chair and a Boise resident, said, ‘‘The First Amendment does not allow the government to pick and choose between viewpoints. If we open the door to flag displays for 1 cause we must legally allow all viewpoints, including those that many would find offensive or divisive,’’ and urged a due-pass recommendation. Thad Butterworth, a county Republican chair, said a similar resolution had broad support among party members and reiterated support for limiting official flag displays on taxpayer-funded property.
Committee action: Representative Scogg moved that the committee send HB 96 to the House floor with a due pass recommendation. The motion carried; Representative Shubin and Representative Achilles were recorded on the committee record as voting no.
Why it matters: The bill would change the rules for flags displayed on government property across Idaho and has drawn public comment from party officials supporting the proposal as a way to maintain governmental neutrality. Supporters said private property remains unrestricted.
Ending: With a committee due-pass recommendation, HB 96 will go to the House for further consideration.
