BILL ANALYSIS
SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS
JEFF DENHAM, CHAIRMAN
Bill No: SB 369
Author: Maldonado
Version: As Introduced
Hearing Date: April 14, 2009
Fiscal: Yes
Consultant: Donald E. Wilson
SUBJECT OF BILL
Display of the POW/MIA flag.
PROPOSED LAW
This bill would require the POW/MIA flag to be flown at all
state owned buildings and facilities where the American and
California flags are already flown.
EXISTING LAW AND BACKGROUND
Existing law only requires the POW/MIA flag to be flown
over selected state buildings on selected days.
State armories, the California Department of Veterans'
Affairs, the Military Department, and certain other
headquarters buildings are required to fly the flag on
Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence
Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day, and Veterans' Day.
COMMENT
1. The POW/MIA flag is meant to serve as a reminder to
never forget those who have been left behind. The "Gone,
but not forgotten" motto of the flag is more likely to be
carried out if the flag is there to remind people 365 days
rather than 6 days a year.
SUPPORT
American Legion, Department of California
Vietnam Veterans of America, California State Council
AMVETS, Department of California
OPPOSE
None received
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