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SB 1712

Flags - As enacted, 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)

Allows county mayors and municipal CEOs to order half-staff flag displays on their property to honor prominent local citizens.

Pub. Ch. 828
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1712

Summary of Bill: SB 1712 / HB 1697 (Session 114, Tennessee)

Purpose and Intent

  • Authorizes local officials to order half-staff flag displays on county or municipal property to honor the death of a prominent local citizen.
  • Specifically, the bill amends Tennessee Code to grant authority to:
    • County mayors (for county property) under Title 5.
    • Chief executive officers of municipalities (for municipal property) under Title 6.

Key Provisions

  1. County Flag Half-Staff Authority

    • Adds a new section to Title 5, Chapter 1, Part 1.
    • A county mayor may order that flags flown on county property be lowered to half-staff to honor the death of a prominent citizen of that county.

  2. Municipal Flag Half-Staff Authority

    • Adds a new section to Title 6, Chapter 54, Part 1.
    • The chief executive officer of a municipality may order that flags flown on municipal property be lowered to half-staff to honor the death of a prominent citizen of that municipality.

  3. Effective Date

    • The act takes effect upon becoming law, as required by public welfare.

Affected Entities

  • Counties: County mayors and county government properties.
  • Municipalities: Mayors or chief executive officers and city/town government properties.

Fiscal/Procedural Notes

  • Fiscal Impact: Not significant.
    • Based on the fiscal note, the change operates within existing resources.
    • The Office of the Secretary of State protocol guidance indicates that lowering flags (half-staff) is typically governed by higher authorities (U.S. President or Governor). The bill’s authorizations operate within local government discretion to observe a “prominent citizen” of the county or municipality.
  • Process:
    • The bill amends state law to formalize local authority to order half-staff displays in observance of a notable local figure.
    • No new funding or staff requirements are anticipated.

Timeline and Legislative History (Summary)

  • Introduced in 2026; companion bills SB 1712 / HB 1697 move through the regular process.
  • Key progression:
    • January 2026: Introduced; referred to committees.
    • February 2026: Passed Senate; transmitted to House.
    • February–April 2026: Passed House; enrolled; signed.
    • April 2026: Signed by Speaker of the House and Senate Speaker; enacted into law.

Practical Impact

  • Local officials gain explicit authority to designate half-staff flag displays to honor notable local citizens.
  • Provides a formal framework for how and when flag lowering decisions may be made at the county and municipal level.
  • Returns adherence to existing protocol practices, while enabling local honors without requiring state-level action.

Notes for Readers

  • The term “prominent citizen” is not further defined in the text provided; local officials may interpret it within their jurisdiction.
  • The authority aligns with customary flag etiquette but clarifies that only Governors or the U.S. President typically have broad authority to lower federal or state flags at larger scales; this bill focuses on local jurisdictions and property.

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

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