2026 - HB 561 - Flags on Government Property

Bill Text:

The bill amends Section 67-2303A of the Idaho Code to revise the regulations regarding flags displayed by governmental entities. It specifies that only certain flags may be flown on governmental property, including the United States flag, official state flags, and the official flag of an Idaho college or university, provided that the institution has designated one official flag. The bill removes previous provisions that allowed for the display of various other flags, including those of governmental entities and Idaho schools. Additionally, it establishes that the rules do not apply to temporary parades or assemblies on governmental property.

Furthermore, the bill introduces penalties for non-compliance, imposing a civil penalty of $2,000 per flag for each day a violation occurs. The Attorney General is tasked with enforcing these provisions, requiring that they first notify the governmental entity of any violations and allow a ten-day period for correction before pursuing legal action. If the violation is not resolved within this timeframe, the Attorney General can seek an injunction and recover penalties in court, with the possibility of recovering attorney's fees if successful. The bill declares an emergency, allowing it to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.