Tennessee House Bill HB1319

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23
• Refer: 3/21/23
• Refer: 3/29/23
• Engrossed: 4/6/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 15; Title 49 and Title 58, relative to the display of flags.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly impact how flags are displayed on public property in Tennessee. Local governments and public schools would have to adhere strictly to the requirements stated in the bill, ensuring that only the U.S. flag and state flag are continuously displayed. This change calls for local boards of education to purchase flags through competitive bidding and to maintain flag quality standards set forth by the education commissioner. This could lead to a more standardized flag display policy across the state’s educational institutions.

Summary

House Bill 1319 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning the display of flags. Specifically, the bill mandates that the United States flag and the state flag must be displayed continuously on properties owned or operated by the state, including political subdivisions and educational institutions. The highlights of this legislation include restrictions on the display of flags other than the U.S. and state flags, which can only be flown during specific events or times.

Contention

While the bill seeks to create uniformity in flag displays, there may be contention surrounding the bill's restrictions. Critics could argue that it undermines local autonomy by preventing municipalities from displaying other flags that may reflect local identities and values. The proposed amendment does allow for the display of certain flags, such as the P.O.W.-M.I.A. flag, under specific circumstances, but the overall implications for local control and representation may be questioned by some stakeholders. The balance between state regulations and local practices will likely be a point of discussion in the legislative process.