In honor of Flag Day, Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, filed Senate Bill 1092 to allow the people of Oklahoma to fly flags over the Oklahoma Capitol Building.

“Our building belongs to the people,” Dahm said.  “The US Capitol building already has a program similar to this.”

Under the measure, flags would be flown over the State Capitol on specific dates to commemorate special occasions.

“As Oklahomans we are proud of our State,” Dahm said.  “This bill will allow people to honor an individual such as a service member or first responder, or recognize a significant date such as a birthday or anniversary by having a flag flown over the Capitol and receiving a certificate of authenticity.”

With the 2021 legislative session ending last month, this becomes the first bill filed for the upcoming 2022 session.

“It’s important we remember our history as a people, a State, and as the United States,” Dahm said.  “One way to do that is to honor events from our past while recognizing and commemorating current people and dates.”

The costs for flying the flag would be paid by the person making the request and the bill would also allow for additional money to go to the Capitol Preservation Fund to support preservation and maintenance efforts at the State Capitol.

“Oklahoma was one of the last States to join the Union but we still have so much history to celebrate.  Whether you choose to fly the current Oklahoma state flag, the original State flag, or historic US flags like the Betsy Ross flag or the ’Don’t Tread on Me’ Gadsden flag, this bill will allow you to proudly fly a flag to celebrate our history while marking the date the flag was flown for you or your loved ones.”