Idaho Capitol Watch
HB 561: STATE GOVERNMENT AND STATE AFFAIRS – Amends existing law to revise and remove provisions regarding flags flown by a governmental entity, to provide a penalty, and to establish provisions regarding enforcement by the Attorney General.
Now effective law since March 31, 2026, this legislation amends Idaho Code Section 67-2303A to strictly limit flags that governmental entities (state, counties, cities, districts, but not schools or universities) may display on public property. Permitted flags are the U.S. flag, state flags, pre-2023 city/county flags, military flags, POW/MIA flag, recognized tribal flags, certain foreign flags for special occasions or historic ties (excluding hostile nations), one designated college flag, and non-political/religious/ideological banners. Parades are exempt. Noncompliance triggers a $2,000 daily civil penalty per flag, enforced by the Attorney General with a 10-day cure notice before court action. The bill passed both chambers after amendments and was signed by the Governor.
Status
Effective (March 31, 2026) · Originated in the Idaho House · Introduced January 29, 2026
Sponsors
- STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Committees
- JRA for Engrossing
- JRA for Printing
- the Committee of the Whole
- the JRA for Printing
Bill history
- March 27, 2026 — House: Reported Enrolled; Signed by Speaker; Transmitted to Senate
- March 30, 2026 — Senate: Received from the House enrolled/signed by Speaker
- March 30, 2026 — Senate: Signed by President; returned to House
- March 30, 2026 — Senate: Returned Signed by the President; Ordered Transmitted to Governor
- March 30, 2026 — Senate: Delivered to Governor at 12:31 p.m. on March 30, 2026
- March 31, 2026 — Senate: Reported Signed by Governor on March 31, 2026
- March 31, 2026 — Senate: Session Law Chapter 260
- March 31, 2026 — Senate: Effective: 03/31/2026
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