Government Flag Display Restrictions: 2025 Idaho House Bill 96
House Bill 96 restricts what flags governmental entities in Idaho can fly, establishing clear boundaries while maintaining flexibility for specific cultural and educational representations. The bill passed with strong support in both chambers despite some opposition, becoming law on April 3, 2025. By limiting flag displays to a specific set of approved flags, the bill aims to create consistency across government properties while still respecting tribal sovereignty and educational independence.
The Bill's Purpose
In simple terms, the bill creates a limited list of permitted flags, preventing government buildings and properties from displaying flags that fall outside these specific categories. This addresses concerns about potential political or ideological messaging through unauthorized flag displays on taxpayer-funded property.
The bill tackles the fundamental question of appropriate government expression – specifically, what symbols should represent our communities through official display. By limiting flag displays to a specific set of government-approved flags, the bill seeks to ensure that government property remains a neutral space free from flags that might represent particular causes, movements, or ideologies beyond those officially recognized by the government itself.
The Core Provisions
House Bill 96 makes several straightforward changes to Idaho law:
Definitions
Defines "governmental entity" as the state of Idaho, counties, municipalities, special districts, or any other political subdivisions or governmental instrumentalities within Idaho. Importantly, this definition specifically excludes schools, colleges, and universities.
List of Flags
Establishes a clear list of the only flags that governmental entities may display on their property:
The United States flag
Official flags of governmental entities (like the Idaho state flag, county flags, or city flags)
Official flags of any U.S. state
Official flags of U.S. military branches and units
The POW/MIA flag
Official flags of Indian tribes
Official flags of foreign countries (only to commemorate special occasions)
Official flags of Idaho colleges, universities, and public schools
Expections
Continues to authorize the Division of Veterans Services to create rules for proper protocol on displaying flags on state property.
Current Status and Sponsors of the Bill
Sponsors: The bill was introduced by the State Affairs Committee.
Committee: House State Affairs Committee initially; later went to Senate State Affairs Committee where it was amended.
Current Status: Signed into law by the Governor on April 3, 2025, and took immediate effect due to the emergency clause.
