§ 37-8-8. Battle flags and markers.
(a) The priceless battle flags and markers now belonging to the state of Rhode Island, and any that may hereafter be presented to this state, shall be maintained by the department of administration in appropriate cases suitable for their display or presentation in the State House, and the cases shall be practically hermetically sealed for the purpose of protecting and preserving the battle flags and markers for future generations as the most eloquent testimonials of the patriotism and valor of our fathers. The battle flags and markers shall be removed from their State House display encasements for the purpose of conservation and preservation until appropriate storage and display cases have been created and a permanent storage facility within the State of Rhode Island has been designated. The department of administration shall have full care, custody, and control of all the battle flags and markers, and the department is hereby authorized and directed to carry out and enforce the provisions and purposes of this section.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the department of administration is authorized to remove, conserve, and indefinitely store any battle flag or marker it deems to be in such a state of deterioration that its removal from the State House encasements is necessary for its continued existence.
(c) The department of administration is authorized to apply for and accept public or private funds for the continued preservation and display of the battle flags and markers. The department of administration is also authorized to enter into an agreement with a state or federally approved agency or museum for the temporary loan and display of a battle flag(s) or marker(s), when insured with a bond against damage or loss, when such loan will enhance the existing conditions of the flag(s) or marker(s) not currently provided through preservation contracts, or when such loan will promote the further education and public awareness of the valor of Rhode Island’s veterans.
History of Section.
P.L. 1917, ch. 1461, §§ 1, 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 35, §§ 4, 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 105, §§ 4,
5; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2727, art. 1, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 37-8-8; P.L. 2015, ch.
263, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 281, § 1; P.L. 2024, ch. 21, § 1, effective May 8, 2024;
P.L. 2024, ch. 22, § 1, effective May 8, 2024.