To amend section 123.30 of the Revised Code to further limit the types of flags that a state agency may display on its grounds or in its buildings.
Summary
HB602 would amend Ohio Revised Code section 123.30 to narrow the flags that state agencies, and entities managing state agency grounds or buildings, may display. Under the bill, only an “authorized flag” could be displayed: the Ohio state flag, the U.S. flag, the POW/MIA flag, or a flag bearing an official state agency logo that has been approved by the governor or the governor’s designee. The bill also preserves an exception for the Ohio Statehouse and its grounds, which would not be subject to the new restriction.
The measure is a state-government display regulation focused on public property and agency facilities. It would replace the existing section 123.30 with a more restrictive version, thereby limiting discretionary flag displays by state agencies and their property managers. In practical terms, it would affect state agencies, building managers, and any other entities operating state-controlled grounds or buildings, while leaving the Statehouse exempt.
Impact
HB602 would tighten Ohio law governing what flags may be flown on state agency property by amending R.C. 123.30 and repealing the current version of that section. It would codify a short list of permitted flags and prohibit all others on state agency grounds or in state buildings, except at the Ohio Statehouse and its grounds. The bill would therefore constrain agency discretion over symbolic or commemorative flag displays and centralize approval authority for agency-logo flags with the governor or designee.
Sentiment
Based on the available record, the bill appears to have been introduced without recorded committee testimony or votes, so there is no documented public debate in the provided materials. The bill’s sponsors, Representatives Swearingen and Creech, appear to support a more limited and uniform flag policy for state agencies. Because no committee discussion or voting history is available, broader legislative sentiment cannot be determined from the record provided.
Contention
The main point of contention likely concerns whether state agencies should be allowed to display flags beyond the narrow list in the bill, including flags used for commemorations, awareness campaigns, or other expressive purposes. Supporters would likely favor uniformity, neutrality, and tighter control over state property displays, while opponents could argue the bill is overly restrictive and limits agency expression or recognition of causes and communities. The explicit exemption for the Ohio Statehouse may also draw attention if stakeholders view it as creating a special carve-out for one location while restricting other state facilities.
To amend sections 3505.01 and 3505.10 of the Revised Code to modify the deadline for a political party to certify its nominees for President and Vice-President to the Secretary of State.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To delay the deadline for a major political party to certify its presidential and vice presidential candidates to the Secretary of State for the 2024 general election.