You’re facing a new law that can levy a $2,000 daily fine on local governments for flying any flag not approved by the state, and that changed reality matters for anyone involved with municipal policy, civic spaces, or community advocacy. This law immediately puts public flag displays under strict state control and exposes cities and counties to hefty daily penalties.
They will want to know how the law works, who enforces it, and what it means for civic expression and local decision-making. Expect a clear breakdown of the law’s key provisions, the enforcement mechanics, and the political and community responses shaping what comes next.
Overview of the New Flag Law
The law narrows which flags local governments may display on official flagpoles and creates daily fines for violations. It ties current municipal flag displays to a specific legal baseline and shifts enforcement authority to the state level.
Key Provisions and Penalties
The bill authorizes a $2,000 per‑day fine for each flag flown on city or county flagpoles that is not on an approved list. That penalty applies to municipalities rather than individual private citizens, and it is calculated per flag and per day, which can quickly escalate total liability for a city.
The measure limits display to flags that existed as official city or county flags before January 1, 2023. The attorney general would have authority to enforce the statute, meaning state legal action—not local discretion—drives compliance. Supporters frame the penalty as a deterrent; opponents warn it could financially punish routine acts of municipal expression.
Background of House Bill 561
House Bill 561 originated in the Idaho House and was debated in the House State Affairs Committee. Lawmakers introduced the bill after several municipalities, notably Boise, adopted nonfederal flags on government poles, prompting a legislative response to standardize what may appear on public flagpoles…