Bill would require non‑flammable flags in public buildings; sponsor frames measure as symbolic safety step

A sponsor told the House Emergency Management Committee on Feb. 6 that House Bill 3,110 would require public buildings to transition to U.S. and state flags manufactured from non‑flammable materials by July 4, 2026.

Representative Paul Evans said the measure seeks a middle ground between protecting the symbolic value of a flag and reducing the ease with which a flag can be set aflame in public protests. "I look at a flame retardant flag as very similar to other mitigation we do," he said. He clarified that flame retardant is not flame proof and cited examples such as Nomex that can burn but resist ignition longer.

Committee members asked technical and health questions. Vice Chair Graber asked whether flags could be made without PFAS chemicals; the sponsor said he would investigate non‑PFAS options and noted flame‑retardant outerwear materials differ from the types intended for a display flag. Committee members also asked about cost and whether the mandate would cover private flags or only flags at public buildings; the sponsor said the bill text as presented applied to flags at public buildings and noted at least one manufacturer produces flame‑retardant flags.

Why it matters: The bill is largely symbolic but raises procurement and public‑safety questions about flag materials, whether materials contain PFAS chemicals and the costs and timelines for government entities to replace flags.

Next steps: The committee closed the public hearing and did not take a vote on HB 3,110 during the Feb. 6 meeting.