(The Center Square) – Ten categories of flags are approved to be flown or displayed on property owned by the state of a political subdivision of the state, says a proposal passed in the North Carolina House of Representatives and awaiting action in the Senate.
The Depoliticize Government Property Act, known also as House Bill 244, was favored 69-43 in a chamber with Republican majority 71-49. Reps. Edward Goodwin of Chowan County and Howard Penny of Harnett County were Republicans against, and Reps. Ray Jeffers of Person County, Abe Jones of Wake County, Dante Pittman of Wilson County and Charles Smith of Cumberland County were Democrats voting aye.
Senate reception of the proposal came Thursday before lawmakers departed Raleigh for an Easter break last week. No sessions are scheduled this week, with resumption in both chambers next week. The upper chamber’s majority is also Republican (30-20).
“Official government flags” that can be flown, says the bill, are that of the United States; North Carolina; any county, city, governmental agency, school or educational facility; military branches; the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag; nations recognized by the United States; any state or territory of the United States; flags of political subdivisions of any state or territory of the United States; and any Indian tribe or group recognized by state or federal law.
Display, bill language says, means not only flag poles but also walls of a facility, employee breakrooms and sidewalks. Museum historical displays are exempt, as are reenactments of prior wars of the United States.
Should the legislation progress to become law, it would be effective Oct. 1.
