Missouri legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Missouri HB1609: Enacts provisions governing flags displayed in public school classrooms
Status: In committee, May 15, 2026
What the bill says
From the introduced text:
SECOND REGULAR SESSION HOUSE BILL NO. 1609 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE BILLINGTON. 5109H.01I JOSEPH ENGLER, Chief Clerk To repeal section 171.021, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof one new section relating to flags in classrooms. Section A. Section 171.021, RSMo, is repealed and one new section enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as section 171.021, to read as follows: 171.021. 1. Every school in this state which is supported in whole or in part by public moneys, during the hours while school is in session, shall display in some prominent place either upon the outside of the school building or upon a pole erected in the school yard the flag of the United States of America. 2. Every school in this state which is supported in whole or in part by public moneys shall ensure that the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America is recited in at least one scheduled class of every pupil enrolled in that school no less often than once per school day. Flags for display in individual classrooms may be provided by voluntary donation by any person. No student shall be required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. (1) A public school may display any or all of the following flags in such public school's …
Sponsors
- Hardy Billington (R) · primary sponsor
- Michael McGirl (R)
- Brian Seitz (R, 156)
Latest actions
- : Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
- : Read Second Time (H)
- : Read First Time (H)
- : Prefiled (H)
Common questions
- What is HB1609?
- HB1609 is a bill in the Missouri Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Enacts provisions governing flags displayed in public school classrooms.
- What is the status of HB1609?
- In committee as of May 15, 2026. Latest action: Referred: Emerging Issues(H) (May 15, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1609?
- Hardy Billington (R), with 2 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB1609?
- On the Missouri Legislature website: https://house.mo.gov/BillContent.aspx?bill=HB1609&year=2026&code=R
Source: official Missouri record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.