WHEREAS, The flag of the United States of America is a national treasure, and no statute, no monument, and no artifact says "America" so eloquently; and

WHEREAS, No other symbol of our nation has led men and women into battle, been sanctified by the blood of patriots, and then draped in honored glory over the caskets of those who gave their last full measure of devotion; and

WHEREAS, Our nation is unique because of our origins; and

WHEREAS, We are mostly a nation of immigrants, a nation of many races and many religions, and from our diversity we draw our strength; and

WHEREAS, The American flag represents all that unites us as one nation, under God; and

WHEREAS, The American flag is a constant reminder of the ideals we share; and

WHEREAS, There have been recent reports and complaints from citizens that some private homeowner association rules or covenants, conditions, and restrictions have been construed to prohibit the display of the flag; and

WHEREAS, Subdivision (a) of section 434.5 of the Government Code states: "No person, private entity, or governmental agency shall adopt rules, regulations, or ordinances, or enter into any agreement or covenant, which prevents any person or private entity which would otherwise have the legal right to display a flag of the United States on private property from exercising that right, unless it is used as, or in conjunction with, an advertising display"; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby encourages all homeowner associations and landlords to obey the law and allow residents and tenants to exercise their lawful rights to display the flag of the United States and that reasonable allowance be made to permit these displays; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution, to groups and individuals representing homeowner associations, apartment associations, property management groups, and all other appropriate entities and individuals.