Allows the Confederate Memorial State Historic Site to fly a flag of the former Confederate States of America over the graves of confederate soldiers at the cemetery
Summary
HB 3190 repeals and replaces section 253.048 of Missouri law to address flag displays at certain state park and historic site cemeteries. The bill requires state parks to display the POW/MIA flag and the Honor and Remember flag alongside the United States and Missouri flags, reflecting recognition of missing, captured, and fallen service members. If a park does not already have a POW/MIA flag, the Department of Natural Resources must seek a donated flag from local veterans’ organizations, and parks may be exempt if a flag cannot be obtained or if display would conflict with state flag policy.
The bill also specifically directs the Confederate Memorial State Historic Site to fly a flag of the former Confederate States of America over the graves of Confederate soldiers at the cemetery, with the Confederate flag required to be subordinate in size and prominence to the U.S. flag. In effect, the measure creates a statutory requirement for commemorative flag displays at state-managed sites and adds a site-specific directive for the Confederate Memorial State Historic Site.
Impact
The bill would amend Missouri’s statutes governing flag displays at state parks and the Confederate Memorial State Historic Site by imposing new display obligations on the Department of Natural Resources. It would require the department to coordinate with veterans’ organizations for donated POW/MIA flags when needed, allow exemptions in limited circumstances, and codify a special rule for the Confederate Memorial State Historic Site. The practical impact would fall on state park administrators, the Department of Natural Resources, veterans’ groups, and the historic site itself.
Sentiment
Based on the bill’s caption and text, the measure appears to be framed as a commemorative and ceremonial recognition bill, with a focus on honoring military service and burial sites. No committee transcript or recorded vote information is available, so there is no documented legislative debate or roll-call sentiment to assess. The available context suggests the bill was introduced and referred to committee without evidence in the record provided of formal opposition or support.
Contention
The most likely point of contention is the bill’s Confederate flag provision, which may draw criticism from those who object to public display of Confederate symbols or who view the measure as inconsistent with inclusive public commemoration. Supporters would likely emphasize the historical and cemetery-specific nature of the display and the requirement that the Confederate flag remain subordinate to the U.S. flag. Another possible issue is the mandate on state parks to display additional flags, though the bill includes an exemption if a donated flag cannot be obtained or if display would conflict with state flag policy.