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Rep. Scott proposes ban on displays other than U.S., tribal and military flags on government property
Summary
Representative Scott introduced RS 32,065 to limit flags displayed on government property to the U.S. flag, official tribal flags, POW/MIA flags and U.S. military branch flags; committee members queried the definition of "property," exemptions for schools and universities, and operational situations such as utility poles and visitor centers.
Representative Heather Scott introduced RS 32,065, which would prohibit a government entity from displaying a flag on government property other than the United States flag, official flags of Indian tribes, POW/MIA flags and flags of U.S. military branches and units. The sponsor said the aim is unity and to avoid displaying outside political messages on government property.
Committee members asked multiple questions about the scope of "property." Representative Achilles asked whether buildings such as city hall, courthouse flagpoles, utility poles, bridges, parking meters or transportation structures would be included; Representative Scott said the bill would cover property owned by the government but that some practical issues (for example, whether a utility pole is on public property) might be explored further at a hearing. Representative Mickelson asked whether students in university dorms would be restricted; Scott said the bill excludes schools, colleges and universities from its scope.
Representative Achilles also raised whether flags belonging to specific units or divisions of the military (for example, a division color displayed during a training event) would be allowed; Scott said the bill’s phrase "units of The United States" was intended to include such flags. Scott said examples such as a Canadian flag flown at a border visitor center would not be allowed under the proposed language.
The committee voted to introduce RS 32,065 and will address definitions and implementation details at the hearing.
