Boise Mayor Lauren McLean removed the rainbow pride flag from City Hall on March 31, 2026, just hours after Idaho Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 561 into law, ending the city’s decade-long practice of displaying the flag on government property.

Idaho Closes Flag Display Loopholes

Governor Little signed HB 561 at 11:44 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, creating a follow-up measure to 2025’s House Bill 96. The original legislation restricted state and local governments from displaying only the American flag, the Idaho state flag, and a narrow list of approved flags, including POW/MIA and official military banners. When cities like Boise attempted workarounds by formally designating pride flags as official city symbols through resolutions, Republican lawmakers introduced HB 561 to close those loopholes and establish enforcement penalties.

The new law imposes a $2,000 daily fine per flag on governmental entities that fail to comply. Mayor McLean stated the financial burden would ultimately fall on Boise taxpayers, prompting her decision to remove the flag shortly after noon on March 31. A small crowd gathered outside City Hall to witness the flag’s removal, which was captured on video. McLean emphasized that while the flag came down, the city’s values remained unchanged despite actions taken at the Idaho Statehouse.

Mayor’s Response and Community Reaction

McLean issued a public statement criticizing the legislation as specifically targeting Boise’s expression of community values. She noted the city had displayed the pride flag with community support for more than a decade. The mayor characterized HB 561 as written with one purpose: preventing Boise from flying its official pride flag on city property. Despite her objections, McLean acknowledged the substantial penalties made compliance necessary to protect taxpayer funds from daily fines that would quickly accumulate into significant costs.

Statewide Flag Restrictions

Idaho’s two-step legislative approach reflects ongoing tensions between state authority and local autonomy over symbolic displays on government property. The 2025 initial bill established broad restrictions affecting cities, counties, and schools throughout Idaho. When municipalities attempted creative interpretations to maintain their flag displays, state lawmakers responded with tighter language and enforcement mechanisms. The $2,000 daily penalty structure ensures compliance through financial consequences rather than relying solely on voluntary adherence to state mandates. Governor Little signed the bill privately without public ceremony, allowing the law to take immediate effect across Idaho’s governmental entities.