North Carolina flag display restrictions passed. The North Carolina House of Representatives passed a bill designed to depoliticize government property by restricting the types of flags allowed on state-owned grounds. House Bill 244, also known as the Depoliticize Government Property Act, passed by a 69-43 vote and now awaits Senate consideration.
The bill outlines ten specific categories of flags permitted for display on property owned by the state or its political subdivisions. Approved flags include the United States flag, the North Carolina state flag, flags of counties, cities, and other government entities, as well as those of U.S. military branches, the POW/MIA flag, nations recognized by the U.S., other U.S. states and territories, subdivisions of those states and territories, and recognized Native American tribes or groups.
The proposal aims to standardize public displays and prevent the use of state property for ideological or political messaging. Flag displays would be limited not only to poles but also to walls, break rooms, and sidewalks. The bill provides exemptions for museum displays and historical reenactments related to U.S. wars.
Although the House holds a 71-49 Republican majority, two Republicans—Reps. Edward Goodwin and Howard Penny—opposed the measure. In contrast, four Democrats—Reps. Ray Jeffers, Abe Jones, Dante Pittman, and Charles Smith—crossed party lines to support the bill.
The Senate, which has a 30-20 Republican majority, is expected to take up the legislation when lawmakers return from their Easter recess. If passed by the Senate and signed into law, the bill would take effect October 1.
The move comes amid growing concerns about political and cultural symbols being displayed on public property, often without consensus. Supporters argue that government spaces should remain neutral and not serve as platforms for divisive political causes. Critics claim the bill targets progressive causes without naming them, though its language applies broadly to all non-governmental flags.
