Five Democrats vote against bill requiring public buildings to comply with half-staff proclamation by governor for flags

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The Iowa House of Representatives voted 82-5 on Thursday to require government buildings to comply with a proclamation by the Governor of Iowa to fly the United States and Iowa flags at half staff. The bill also allows the Attorney General to take legal action against those who refuse to comply.

The building’s custodian is responsible for ensuring the flag is flown at half-staff, and the governing board must also ensure compliance.

Shortly after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Johnson County Supervisor Chair Jon Green defied the order to lower flags in honor of Kirk. There were other issues in Iowa related to individuals refusing to lower the flags in honor of Kirk, such as an EMS Director.

Five Democrats voted against the bill. Representatives Dave Jacoby, Elinor Levin, Angel Ramirez, Beth Wessel-Kroeschell and Adam Zabner all voted against the bill.