Wisconsin Senate Bill SB51

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/25
• Refer: 2/21/25

Caption

Flags flown at state and local government buildings and eliminating a related administrative rule.

Impact

If enacted, SB51 will amend state statutes to enforce stricter regulations on flag displays within government properties. By limiting the flags that can be displayed, the bill aims to standardize representations across Wisconsin government facilities, potentially reinforcing the visibility and reverence of the national and state flags. It also repeals an existing administrative rule that allowed exceptions to these display restrictions as determined by the governor, thus centralizing decision-making authority regarding flag displays at the state legislative level.

Summary

Senate Bill 51 seeks to regulate the types of flags that may be displayed on state and local government buildings in Wisconsin. The bill specifies that only the U.S. flag, the state flag, the official POW/MIA flag, and the flags of the armed services may be flown on flagpoles and facilities owned or occupied by state authorities and political subdivisions like cities and towns. Exceptions to this rule can be made through a vote of three-fourths of the elected members of a governing body, providing a mechanism for local control under certain conditions.

Contention

The bill is not without controversy. While supporters may argue that it promotes national unity and respect for military symbols, opponents may see it as an infringement on local governments' autonomy to express community values and identity. Critics might express concerns that such regulations could prevent local flags or symbols from being used to represent local identities effectively and tailor messaging to their communities' unique contexts. The emphasis on voting thresholds for exceptions might also lead to debates over the interpretation of local governance and representation.

Implementation

The provisions of SB51 are set to take effect on January 1, 2027, providing a transitional period for government entities to adjust to the new requirements. This delay allows for the reevaluation of any existing local flag policies and for discussions on the implications of uniform flag display standards. Overall, SB51 represents a significant shift in how flags are regulated within Wisconsin's public spaces, highlighting the balance between state oversight and local decision-making authority.