Committee passes government-speech bill limiting official municipal flags at regulated sites, 8–3

Representative McPherson presented HB 302 (first substitute) as a compromise to resolve conflicts created by last year's law on flags. The substitute limits municipalities to one official municipal flag that may be displayed at government sites where the state has a neutrality interest — schools, courthouses, airports and public transit facilities — while allowing municipalities to fly other ceremonial or cultural flags at other municipal locations (for example, city hall).

McPherson said the substitute clarifies the process for adopting municipal flags and includes a carve-out allowing third parties to display flags inside rented facilities. He said the League of Cities and Towns took a neutral position after outreach and explained the substitute replaces an earlier draft that would have required legislative approval of flags.

Justin Lee of the Utah League of Cities and Towns testified that the substitute addressed the League's concerns and that review — rather than legislative approval — is the intended process. Equality Utah's Marina Lowe said the group appreciated the ability for Salt Lake City to fly the Pride flag during events and that she would continue engagement. After adopting the first substitute and an amendment, the committee voted to pass the bill favorably to the full House; the chair announced the result as 8–3 (a roll-call-style tally recorded in the transcript).