The Wisconsin State Legislature is considering two competing proposals that would regulate which flags can be flown on government buildings. Both bills aim to eliminate the display of politically or socially divisive flags, but they differ in scope and flexibility.

The first proposal, LRB-0399, introduced by Rep. David Steffen (R-Green Bay) and Sen. Eric Wimberger (R-Green Bay), would limit flag displays to the U.S. flag, Wisconsin state flag, the official POW/MIA flag recognized by Congress, and the official flags of each branch of the U.S. armed forces. However, it allows for exceptions if a three-fourths majority of the state legislature or a local governing body votes in favor of displaying an additional flag. The bill also repeals an administrative rule that gives the governor discretion over flag displays, shifting decision-making power to elected bodies.

Steffen and Wimberger argue that the growing number of awareness and advocacy flags has made it impossible for government institutions to recognize every cause fairly. “Rather than creating unnecessary controversy, our state and local governments should remain neutral when it comes to recognizing various causes or affiliations via flags that are flown at government buildings,” they stated in their memo. The bill is framed as a way to eliminate potential favoritism while still allowing flexibility through a democratic process.

A second, stricter proposal, LRB-1703, is being circulated by Reps. Ty Bodden (R-Hilbert), Dave Murphy (R-Greenville), Robert Brooks (R-Saukville), and Joy Goeben (R-Hobart), along with Sens. Dan Feyen (R-Fond du Lac) and Cory Tomczyk (R-Mosinee). This bill would limit flag displays to only the U.S. and Wisconsin state flags, with limited exceptions. Unlike the Steffen/Wimberger bill, LRB-1703 does not provide a pathway for additional flags to be approved through legislative votes.

Supporters of LRB-1703 argue that government buildings should be symbols of unity, not political division. They cite instances where flags representing social or political movements have led to controversy and eroded trust in public institutions. “The flags we display over our government buildings should be those that celebrate our unity and common support for these institutions,” the sponsors wrote. They warn that without clear restrictions, a variety of partisan flags—from MAGA and Pride to Black Lives Matter and Pro-Life—could be displayed, leading to further division.

The push for these flag restrictions comes in response to Governor Tony Evers’ decision to fly the Pride flag over the Wisconsin State Capitol during Pride Month, a practice he began in 2019, as well as instances of Black Lives Matter flags being displayed on government buildings by local officials. Evers has defended the move as a show of inclusivity, but Republican lawmakers argue that government institutions should not be used to promote specific political or social causes. They view these displays as examples of “government-sponsored division,” prompting their efforts to set clear, nonpartisan guidelines for flag displays on public buildings.