Flag Code Modernization Act of 2021
Bill: H.R.4212 | Sponsor: Rep. Womack, Steve (R-AR)
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
Flag Code Modernization Act of 2021
This bill revises provisions regarding customs and practices with respect to the American flag.
Among other changes, the bill permits U.S. postal workers to wear the flag on their uniforms and modifies provisions regarding the position and manner of display of the flag.

To amend title 4, United States Code, to reflect contemporary customs 
    and practices with respect to the flag, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Flag Code Modernization Act of 
2021''.

SEC. 2. FLAG PRACTICES.

    (a) Display and Use of Flag by Civilians.--Section 5 of title 4, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ``such civilians or civilian 
groups or organizations'' and inserting ``such civilians, civilian 
groups, organizations, or corporations''.
    (b) Time and Occasions for Display.--Section 6(d) of title 4, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ``December 25;'' and 
inserting ``December 25; Presidents Day, third Monday in February; 
Thomas Jefferson's Birthday, April 13; Loyalty Day-Law Day USA, May 1; 
National Maritime Day, May 22; Flag Week, week of June 14; Aviation 
Day, August 19; Patriot Day (half-staff), September 11; POW/MIA 
Recognition Day, third Friday in September; American Gold Star Mother's 
Day, last Sunday in September; Pearl Harbor Day (half-staff), December 
7;''.
    (c) Position and Manner of Display.--Section 7 of title 4, United 
States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (f), by striking ``flag's right.'' and 
        inserting ``flag's right. The flags should be of approximately 
        equal size or the flag of the United States shall be the larger 
        flag.''; and
            (2) in subsection (g), by striking ``peace.'' and inserting 
        ``peace. The flags of such nations shall be displayed to the 
        observer's right and in alphabetical order from left to 
        right.''.
    (d) Respect for Flag.--Section 8 of title 4, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) in subsection (c), by striking ``should never be 
        carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.'' and 
        inserting ``shall be displayed aloft and free. Unless such flag 
        may be carried flat or horizontally for a patriotic purpose, 
        including if the flag is too large to be displayed aloft and 
        free.'';
            (2) in subsection (i), by striking ``It should not be 
        embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and 
        the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or 
        boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and 
        discard.''; and
            (3) in subsection (j), by striking ``policemen'' and 
        inserting ``policemen, postal workers''.
    (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by ths section shall take 
effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
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