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HB 5594

Require all American flags offered for retail sale in the State be manufactured in the United States of America.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kathie Hess Crouse and 2 co-sponsors

West Virginia would require that all American flags sold at retail in the state be manufactured in the United States.

To House Judiciary
#localandspeciallaws
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5594

Summary of HB 5594 (2026) – West Virginia

Purpose

HB 5594 would require that all American flags offered for sale at retail within West Virginia be manufactured in the United States. The bill aims to ensure that only domestically produced American flags are sold in-state retail settings.

Key Provisions

  • New requirement added to state law: A new section, §46A-9-1, is added to the West Virginia Code (West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act) establishing the rule regarding sale of American flags.
  • Sales restriction: No person who is “in the business of offering goods at retail” may sell or offer for sale an American flag in West Virginia unless the flag was manufactured in the United States of America.
  • Scope: Applies to retail sales of American flags within the state. The bill does not specify exemptions beyond the stated manufacturing requirement.

Who Is Affected

  • Retail sellers of American flags: Stores and individuals engaged in retail sale of flags in West Virginia would be required to ensure that flags they offer for sale are domestically manufactured.
  • Consumers: The outcome would be an in-state market where only U.S.-made flags are available for sale at retail.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: February 16, 2026.
  • Committee: Referred to the Judiciary Committee (House).
  • Sponsors:
    • Primary sponsor: Delegates Young, Crouse, Willis, Pushkin (By Request).
    • Co-sponsors: Kathie Hess Crouse, Mike Pushkin, Kayla Young.
  • Status: Introduced and referred; no further actions documented in the provided text.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Market impact: Retailers would need to verify and source flags that are manufactured in the United States, potentially affecting supply chains and pricing if domestic production is more costly or limited.
  • Enforcement: The bill as introduced does not outline penalties, enforcement mechanisms, or definitions (e.g., what constitutes “manufactured in the United States” for flags with components sourced abroad). These details could be addressed in implementing regulations or subsequent amendments.
  • Compliance burden: Small retailers and importers may face increased compliance requirements to verify origin, which could necessitate documentation or supplier verification processes.

Notes

  • The bill text explicitly states its purpose: to require that all American flags sold for retail in West Virginia are made in America.
  • The proposal is narrowly targeted to retail sales of American flags and does not address flags used for non-retail contexts or wholesale practices beyond the stated prohibition.

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

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