An Act to create 1.14 (1) (am) and 1.14 (1m) of the statutes; Relating to: flags flown at state and local government buildings and eliminating a related administrative rule.
Impact
The proposed regulations will require that any flagpole or building owned or occupied by a state agency or local government displays only the specified flags unless otherwise directed by a joint resolution from the legislature or a three-fourths majority vote from a governing body. This would effectively preclude other flags, which may have local or regional significance, from being flown, thus standardizing how flags are displayed across Wisconsin’s governmental landscape.
Summary
Assembly Bill 46 seeks to regulate the display of flags at state and local government buildings in Wisconsin. Specifically, it mandates that only four types of flags may be flown: the U.S. flag, the state flag, the official POW/MIA flag, and the official flags of the U.S. armed forces. This bill is a legislative initiative aimed at establishing uniformity in flag displays across all government-owned properties, including state agencies and local government facilities, such as cities, towns, villages, and counties.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding AB46 involves concerns regarding local discretion. While supporters of the bill argue it creates a necessary uniformity in flag representation, opponents may see it as an erosion of local governance and the right of communities to express their values through varied flag displays. Additionally, the repeal of an administrative rule that allowed exceptions by the governor could further heighten frustration among those favoring a more flexible approach to flag regulations in their jurisdictions.
Implementation
The bill delays its implementation for state facilities until January 1, 2027, providing time for state and local governments to adjust to these new requirements. This timeline also opens the door for further discussion among stakeholders about the ramifications of such regulations, particularly on issues of identity and community representation in public spaces.
Crossfiled
An Act to create 1.14 (1) (am) and 1.14 (1m) of the statutes; Relating to: flags flown at state and local government buildings and eliminating a related administrative rule.
Adopt the State Building Construction Alternatives Act and the Secure Drone Purchasing Act, require agencies to submit a federal funding inventory, and change provisions relating to agency rules and regulations, state buildings, and works of art for state buildings
Administrative Procedure Act requirements addition to emphasize statutory authorization for rules and governor's statutory authority to authorize rules in an emergency rescindment provision
Providing an exception to the rules and regulations filing act for technical amendments, creating a process for certain rules and regulations to receive priority status in the adoption process, removing references to revival of rules and regulations, clarifying that the department of the budget is not required to approve proposed rules and regulations mandated by the federal government, adding references to department of corrections rules and regulations that are not subject to the act and requiring an agency submit a proposed rule and regulation to the joint committee on administrative rules and regulations prior to presentation of a bill to the legislature for ratification.