Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB835

Introduced
6/9/25  

Caption

In grounds and buildings, further providing for display of United States flag and development of patriotism.

Impact

The passage of SB835 would impact state laws regarding the display of the United States flag, creating uniform guidelines that educational institutions and public buildings must follow. This could lead to a more standardized practice across the state, ensuring that the flag is consistently displayed with respect and in accordance with the established norms. The bill's provisions would likely mean adjustments to current policies that govern flag displays, particularly in schools and public spaces.

Summary

SB835 focuses on the display of the United States flag on educational grounds and public buildings to promote patriotism. The bill outlines requirements and standards for how and when the flag should be displayed, aiming to instill a sense of national pride in students and communities. Proponents of the bill highlight the importance of fostering patriotism in schools as a means of strengthening civic responsibility among young citizens.

Sentiment

Sentiment surrounding SB835 appears largely positive among its supporters, who view it as a necessary step toward bolstering national identity and pride in the younger generation. Advocates argue that visibility of the flag plays a key role in shaping a community's values and is important for educational environments. However, there may be some concerns among those who view mandatory flag displays as potentially infringing on personal expression or local customs.

Contention

Notable points of contention might arise around the implications of enforcing such a bill, especially in terms of cost, enforcement, and the prioritization of resources in schools. Critics may question whether mandated flag displays align with the values of diversity and inclusion or if they risk alienating individuals who may have differing perspectives on patriotism. Overall, the debate could center on the balance between fostering unity through patriotism while respecting individual beliefs and expressions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1955

Amending the act of March 4, 1970 (P.L.128, No.49), entitled "An act granting to the Governor of the Commonwealth the sole authority for regulating the display of the flag of the United States from any public ground or building and from any ground or building of certain other institutions," further providing for display of flag.

PA SB1328

In grounds and buildings, providing for radon testing.

PA HB2024

In duties and powers of boards of school directors, further providing for school athletics, publications, and organizations; in grounds and buildings, further providing for water-closets or out-houses and providing for bathroom and athletic facilities for transgender students; and, in school health services, further providing for examinations of school buildings and grounds.

PA SB1318

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in terms and courses of study, further providing for subjects of instruction and flag code and providing for handwriting instruction required; and, in charter schools, further providing for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

PA HB659

In school finances, further providing for distress in school districts of the first class; in grounds and buildings, further providing for public hearing prior to closing school; and, in pupils and attendance, providing for conditions for closing schools.

PA HB1934

In terms and courses of study, further providing for subjects of instruction and flag code.

PA HB1826

In terms and courses of study, further providing for subjects of instruction and flag code and providing for voting rights instruction; and, in high schools, further providing for assessment of civic knowledge and providing for voter registration efforts.

PA SB512

In grounds and buildings, providing for automated external defibrillator placement, inspection, maintenance and plan; in school health services, further providing for automatic external defibrillators; and, in charter schools, further providing for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

PA HB1408

In grounds and buildings, further providing for limitation on new applications for Department of Education approval of public school building projects; and, in construction and renovation of buildings by school entities, further providing for definitions, for school construction and renovation approval process, for high-performance building standards, for maintenance program, for building condition assessments, for project reimbursement and for applicability.

PA HB1203

In grounds and buildings, providing for automated external defibrillator placement, inspection, maintenance and plan; in school health services, further providing for automatic external defibrillators; and, in charter schools, further providing for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.