Committee advances bill limiting flags in schools after amendment adding 'banners' and exceptions

The House Education Committee advanced House Bill 11‑32, which would prohibit display of certain flags in public schools, after adopting an amendment that adds "banners" to the items covered and clarifies school‑sponsored displays. Representative Freeman, the sponsor, introduced amendment 20260767h to address issues raised at the public hearing and to ensure that school sports‑team insignia would be treated consistently.

"After doing some research, I opted not to include" regular major‑league sports teams, Freeman said, explaining the change was to avoid unintended links to gang symbols. He said the amendment was aimed at tightening the bill while preserving instructional and school‑sponsored displays.

Opponents raised concerns about free‑speech implications and the bill’s penalties for educators. Representative Selig said he would vote against the bill because he viewed it as curbing free speech and "violating the First Amendment," noting educational contexts (for example, displaying historically offensive flags during instruction) as legitimate uses. Representative Murray asked whether an individual teacher facing multiple violations would have access to union representation; Freeman responded such representation would remain available and monetary penalties would generally be left to the discretion of the State Board of Education.

The committee adopted the amendment and then voted to report the bill 'ought to pass as amended' on a 10–8 roll call.

Why it matters: The bill aims to set statewide limits for displays in school spaces while preserving instructional exemptions. The debate highlighted tensions between regulating symbols in public institutions and protecting classroom instructional uses and free‑speech rights.

The committee’s recommendation advances HB 11‑32 to the full House with the amendment attached; the debate is likely to continue at later stages.