Bill > SB0266

This bill establishes strict regulations on flag displays across various Tennessee government entities, primarily limiting public displays to only the United States and Tennessee state flags. Specifically, the bill prohibits governmental entities, local governments, local education agencies (LEAs), and public charter schools from displaying flags other than the U.S. and Tennessee state flags on courthouses, roadways, sidewalks, and in public schools, with some narrow exceptions. These exceptions include flags representing armed forces units, POW/MIA flags, flags of Indian tribes, flags of cities or counties, flags of colleges/universities, and flags temporarily used for educational purposes. The bill provides citizens with legal standing to file civil actions against governmental entities that violate these restrictions, with courts required to award reasonable attorneys' fees to successful plaintiffs. Additionally, the bill modifies existing statutes regarding flag displays and includes a severability clause to protect other provisions if any part of the law is found unconstitutional. Parents of students are also granted the right to sue LEAs or public charter schools for flag display violations, but must first provide written notice and allow ten days for remedy. The law takes effect immediately upon becoming law, emphasizing its perceived urgency for public welfare.

Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0266&ga=114