FLAGS – Amends existing law to provide that a governmental entity shall only display certain flags.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

HB 45 restricts Idaho government flag displays to a defined set and lets the Division of Veterans Services set display protocols, effective July 1, 2025.

Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs

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Idaho House Bill 45 – Flags and Flag Protocol (H 45)

HB 45 proposes to limit the flags that a governmental entity in Idaho may display on its property and to delegate rulemaking on flag protocol to the Division of Veterans Services. The bill includes an emergency declaration and sets an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Purpose and intent

To standardize which flags may be displayed by state and local governments on public property.

To ensure flag displays follow a uniform protocol, with enforcement and guidance administered by the Division of Veterans Services.

Key provisions

Definitions:

“Governmental entity” includes the state of Idaho, counties, municipalities, special districts, and other political subdivisions or governmental instruments within Idaho.

Display restrictions:

A governmental entity may display only the following flags:
The United States flag
The official flag of the governmental entity
Official flags of any state in the United States
Official flags of any branch/unit of the U.S. military
The POW/MIA flag (per existing Idaho law)
Official flags of American Indian tribes

Rulemaking:

The Division of Veterans Services is authorized to promulgate rules directing proper protocol for the location and display of flags flown on state property.

Emergency and effective date:

The act declares an emergency and provides that it shall be in full force and effect on and after July 1, 2025.

Affected entities

Governmental entities in Idaho (state, counties, municipalities, special districts, and other political subdivisions).

Division of Veterans Services (as the designated rulemaking authority for flag protocol).

Fiscal impact

Fiscal Note states there would be no impact on the general fund, other state funds, or local government finances. The bill sets standards and does not alter major government operations; rules would be administered by the Division of Veterans Services.

Timeline and status

Introduced: January 23, 2025

Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs: January 24, 2025

Current status: Referred to State Affairs; includes emergency provision and a July 1, 2025 effective date.

Summary

HB 45 would narrowly restrict flags displayed on government property to a defined set (U.S. flag, state/municipal flags, U.S. military flags, POW/MIA flag, and tribal flags), with the Division of Veterans Services empowered to establish display protocols. It includes an emergency declaration and a July 1, 2025 effective date, and is not expected to have direct fiscal costs.