Sen. Kavanagh Hails Success of Landmark ‘Flagpole’ Legislation

By Daniel Stefanski |

Arizona State Senator John Kavanagh recently highlighted the impactful outcomes of a new law that went into effect this year. The legislation, known as SB 1016, allows planned community associations to restrict the number of wall-mounted flagpole holders to two. This change aims to balance community rules with residents’ rights to display patriotic symbols.

In a statement, Kavanagh shared an email from a constituent, Joyce, who expressed gratitude for the law. She noted, “I finally now am able to honor both my country and my late husband’s service.” Joyce had been unable to display flags in her community for six years, but the new law enabled her to proudly fly multiple patriotic flags on November 10, the 249th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

Kavanagh explained that while existing state law permitted the display of various patriotic flags, his bill expands these rights by allowing homeowners to display two flags simultaneously. “Every Arizonan should be able to freely show their support for our country, its military, and first responders without interference from HOAs,” he asserted.

SB 1016 received broad bipartisan support, passing the Arizona Senate with a vote of 24-4 and later the House of Representatives at 42-13. Following its approval, Governor Katie Hobbs signed the bill into law shortly thereafter.

Support for the bill was also noted in the Arizona Legislature’s Request to Speak system, where a representative from the Arizona Homeowners Coalition expressed endorsement.