An Act amending the act of March 4, 1970 (P.L.128, No.49), entitled "An act granting to the Governor of the Commonwealth the sole authority for regulating the display of the flag of the United States . . .from any public ground or building and from any ground or building of certain other institutions," further providing for display of flag.
Summary
HB701 would amend Pennsylvania’s 1970 flag-display law to require that any United States flag subject to the Governor’s authority under that act be manufactured in the United States. The underlying law gives the Governor sole authority to regulate the display of the U.S. flag from public grounds or buildings and certain other institutions; this bill adds a new condition to that authority by tying covered flags to domestic production.
The bill does not change who may display the flag or the general rules governing display, but it would add a procurement-style restriction for flags covered by the statute. If enacted, state-controlled or state-regulated flag displays under this law would need to use American-made flags, and the act would take effect 60 days after passage.
Impact
HB701 would amend a narrow section of Pennsylvania law governing the display of the U.S. flag on public grounds and buildings by adding a domestic-manufacturing requirement. The practical effect would be to require covered flags to be made in the United States, potentially affecting state purchasing practices, vendors, and institutions subject to the Governor’s authority under the 1970 act. It would not broadly regulate all flag sales or all public displays, only those within the scope of the existing statute.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee discussion or votes in the provided materials, the bill appears to be presented in a straightforward, supportive manner without documented opposition or debate in the available record. The proposal reflects a pro-domestic-manufacturing and patriotic framing, but there is no transcript evidence here showing formal support or resistance from legislators.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the domestic-content mandate itself: supporters may view it as a way to ensure U.S.-made flags are used for official displays, while critics could see it as a procurement restriction that may raise costs or limit supplier options. Another possible issue is the bill’s limited scope and interaction with the Governor’s existing authority under the 1970 act, though no specific objections or amendments are included in the provided record.
Amending the act of March 4, 1970 (P.L.128, No.49), entitled "An act granting to the Governor of the Commonwealth the sole authority for regulating the display of the flag of the United States from any public ground or building and from any ground or building of certain other institutions," further providing for display of Green Star Service Banner.