Flags flown, hung, or displayed from a flagpole or the exterior of state and local buildings and eliminating a related administrative rule.
Impact
This legislation will have a significant impact on existing state and local laws regarding the display of flags in public spaces. It repeals an older administrative rule that allowed more flexibility in flag displays, thus centralizing control and limiting expression through flag representations. The intent appears to be to maintain a uniform decorum in public buildings, reflecting a preference for national and state symbols over potentially divisive or controversial political emblems.
Summary
Assembly Bill 58 addresses the regulations surrounding the flags displayed from state and local government buildings in Wisconsin. The bill fundamentally restricts the types of flags that may be flown, allowing only the U.S. flag, the Wisconsin state flag, and flags of specific state agencies. This change is set against the backdrop of previous administrative rules, which permitted a broader range of flags subject to the governor's discretion. Under the new bill, flags such as those representing military honors, certain tribal flags, and flags commemorating events may still be displayed under specific conditions.
Contention
The bill raises notable concerns regarding freedom of expression and local governance. Critics may argue that it limits the ability of local governments and community organizations to honor important local cultural identities and historical events through their chosen flag displays. Additionally, the bill categorically prohibits any flags related to political or social causes, which could be seen as a suppression of free speech in public spaces and overlooks the diverse perspectives within the community. With this regulation, there is potential for legal challenges, particularly from groups advocating for broader rights to represent various social and political identities.
County and municipal aid; imposing a city sales tax and an additional county sales tax to pay the unfunded actuarial accrued liability of city and county retirement systems; requiring newly hired city and county employees of certain city agencies and counties to be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System; fire and police commissions of first class cities; eliminating the personal property tax; reporting certain crimes and other incidents that occur on school property or school transportation; advisory referenda; local health officers; local public protection services; exceptions to local levy limits; local regulation of certain quarry operations; emergency services; local approval of projects and activities under the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship 2000 Program; requiring a referendum; and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
County and municipal aid; imposing a city sales tax and an additional county sales tax to pay the unfunded actuarial accrued liability of city and county retirement systems; requiring newly hired city and county employees of certain city agencies and counties to be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System; fire and police commissions of first class cities; eliminating the personal property tax; reporting certain crimes and other incidents that occur on school property or school transportation; advisory referenda; local health officers; local public protection services; exceptions to local levy limits; local regulation of certain quarry operations; emergency services; local approval of projects and activities under the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship 2000 Program; requiring a referendum; and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
The provision of menstrual products in state and local buildings and school buildings and a school district revenue limit adjustment for costs of providing those products. (FE)
The provision of menstrual products in state and local buildings and school buildings and a school district revenue limit adjustment for costs of providing those products. (FE)
Licensure of dental therapists; extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures; providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures; providing an exemption from rule-making procedures; and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
Licensure of dental therapists; extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures; providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures; providing an exemption from rule-making procedures; and granting rule-making authority. (FE)