Legislature Approves Greenleaf Patriotic Flag Display Bill

HARRISBURG –A measure sponsored by Sen. Stewart J. Greenleaf to allow for the flying of certain flags in communities governed by residential association rules has been approved by the General Assembly.

"I am glad to say that, if the Governor signs Senate Bill 82 into law, the Marine Corps flag will be flying at a proud Marine veteran's home in the 12th Senatorial District on patriotic holidays," said Greenleaf, who introduced the bill at the request of a constituent who was prevented from flying his Marine Corps flag by his residential association's prohibition on the display of his service flag.

Under the measure, property management organizations would retain the right to regulate the size, location and use of a flag pole, but they cannot prohibit the use of a wall bracket to display a patriotic flag.  The size of the flags displayed would be limited to 5x3 feet.

Covered under the Greenleaf bill are the Flag of the United States, the Flag of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which may be flown at any time, and flags of the branches of the United States military services, which must at least be permitted to be displayed on the commemorative occasions—such as Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day—enumerated in the legislation.  A House amendment extends the right of flag display to cemeteries.

At least eleven states have enacted laws to ensure that individuals in communities with association rules may fly the American flag, their state flag, or their military branch flag.  "This bill seeks a reasonable exception to allow patriotic residents to express their pride in their country, their home state and in the military branch in which they served," Greenleaf said.