81R1760 AJA-D
 
  By: Smith of Tarrant H.B. No. 147
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to a restrictive covenant, rule, or other prohibition
  regulating a homeowner's display of the United States flag.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 202, Property Code, is amended by adding
  Section 202.011 to read as follows:
         Sec. 202.011.  REGULATION OF DISPLAY OF FLAG. (a) A
  property owners' association may not enforce a restrictive covenant
  that prohibits or restricts the display of the United States flag by
  a property owner on the owner's property unless the prohibition or
  restriction is clearly and specifically stated in the covenant.
         (b)  A restrictive covenant, rule, or other prohibition may
  not be adopted if the prohibition or restriction prevents a
  property owner from displaying the United States flag in a size not
  larger than three feet by five feet in a respectful manner on the
  owner's property.
         (c)  This section does not prohibit the adoption of a
  restrictive covenant or rule allowing the display of the United
  States flag larger than three feet by five feet.
         (d)  For purposes of this section, the United States flag is
  displayed in a respectful manner if the flag is displayed in the
  manner provided by 4 U.S.C. Sections 6-8, as amended.
         SECTION 2.  Section 202.011(a), Property Code, as added by
  this Act, applies to a restrictive covenant, rule, or other
  prohibition adopted before, on, or after the effective date of this
  Act.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2009.