WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1697

Flags - As introduced, authorizes a county mayor and the chief executive officer of a municipality to order the flags flown on county or municipal property to be lowered to half-staff to honor the death of a prominent citizen of that county or municipality. - Amends TCA Title 5; Title 6 and Title 7.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jake McCalmon

Authorizes Tennessee county and municipal leaders to lower public flags to half-staff honoring deceased prominent local citizens, with discretion on who qualifies.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 828
#flags
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1697

Legislative bill overview

HB 1697 authorizes county mayors and municipal chief executives in Tennessee to lower flags on public property to half-staff to honor deceased prominent citizens from their respective jurisdictions. The bill amends state law governing flag protocols across county and municipal administrative codes.

Why is this important

Flag-lowering protocols carry significant symbolic weight and currently may lack clear local authority or standards. This bill creates explicit legal authorization for local leaders to conduct this ceremonial practice, ensuring consistency and preventing potential disputes over when and how this honor is rendered.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition ambiguity: The bill doesn't define "prominent citizen," leaving significant discretion to local officials and potentially creating inconsistent or subjective application across counties and municipalities
  • Scope and frequency concerns: Without clear criteria or limitations, some worry about flag-lowering becoming too frequent, diluting its symbolic significance, or creating perception of favoritism
  • Missing procedural safeguards: The bill lacks specification of how long flags remain at half-staff, notification requirements, or appeal processes if the public questions a decision

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.