Flags flown, hung, or displayed from a flagpole or the exterior of state and local buildings and eliminating a related administrative rule.
Impact
If passed, SB40 will have significant implications for existing statutes governing the display of flags in Wisconsin. Local governments and schools will be restricted from allowing other flags to be flown, with some exceptions for specific ceremonial flags such as those commemorating veterans or representing federally recognized American Indian tribes. This could limit local expressions of identity or support for various causes within their communities, leading to possible challenges in local governance and self-expression.
Summary
Senate Bill 40 (SB40) introduces regulations concerning the display of flags in Wisconsin. Under this bill, only the United States flag and the Wisconsin state flag are permitted to be flown from flagpoles or displayed on the exteriors of state and local government buildings, including school facilities. The bill aims to standardize flag representation across public buildings while eliminating certain administrative rules that allowed for broader flag displays. It seeks to ensure that political or ideological expressions are not visually represented through flag displays at state and local facilities.
Contention
The bill has sparked discussions regarding the balance between upholding national and state symbols and allowing for local and individual expressions through flags. While supporters argue that this measure reduces the potential for divisive political displays and maintains a sense of unity in public spaces, critics contend that it infringes on local autonomy and fails to recognize the significance of other flags as symbols of community and identity. The restriction on flags that represent social causes or political viewpoints raises concerns about potential First Amendment violations and the ability of local entities to acknowledge and celebrate diverse identities in public spaces.
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)
Commemorating the date of the Bay View labor strike and tragedy and requiring the permanent removal of the portrait of Jeremiah Rusk from public display in the assembly parlor and instead requiring that a portrait of former Governor Tommy G. Thompson be hung in the assembly parlor.
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)
Preference in state and local government contracts and procurement for materials manufactured in the United States and granting rule-making authority. (FE)