Summary#
This bill would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to create and name a new flag called the Green Star Service Flag. The flag would be for next of kin of veterans who died by suicide on or after September 11, 2001. The bill also sets rules about who may make and sell the flag and penalties for making flags without a license.
- Main change: Requires the VA to design and designate a Green Star Service Flag for next of kin of covered veterans.
- Who may display it: Next of kin of a covered veteran may display the flag.
- Manufacture and sale: People may apply to the VA for a license to manufacture and sell the flag.
- Penalty: Manufacturing the flag without a VA license (or otherwise violating the section) can carry a civil penalty up to $1,000.
- Definition of covered veteran: A veteran who died by suicide on or after September 11, 2001.
- Definition of next of kin: Includes “family member” as defined in an existing law (38 U.S.C. 1720K) and other individuals the VA may specify by regulation.
What it means for you#
- Next of kin and families of veterans: You would be able to display a VA-designated Green Star Service Flag if your family member is a veteran who died by suicide on or after 9/11/2001. The bill does not say the VA will provide flags for free or how families prove eligibility.
- Veterans who died before 9/11/2001: Their next of kin would not be covered by this bill.
- Flag makers and sellers: Manufacturers who want to make or sell the flag must apply for a VA license. Making flags without a license risks a civil penalty up to $1,000. The bill does not say how much a license costs or what conditions the VA will set.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA must design the flag, set rules on who qualifies as next of kin beyond the statutory family-member definition, run a license process, and enforce penalties. That will require agency action and new procedures.
- Organizations that hold memorial events or fly service flags: They can include this new flag if they choose, but the bill does not direct the VA to provide supply or distribution plans.
Expenses#
The bill may increase administrative costs, but no estimate is available.
- The VA would likely need staff time and resources to design the flag, write and implement regulations, run a licensing program, and handle enforcement.
- The bill does not include a fiscal note or dollar estimates in the provided material.
- Costs for private parties: manufacturers may face compliance costs to obtain a license. The bill does not set a license fee.
- Penalties collected (if any) are not defined as funding for the program in the bill text.
Proponents' View#
- The bill appears intended to create a visible way to recognize and support families of veterans who died by suicide.
- Supporters may argue this gives a consistent symbol for mourning and memorials.
- It could be seen as raising awareness about veteran suicide by establishing an official flag.
- Establishing a licensing system could keep the flag's design standardized and protect its use.
Opponents' View#
- One concern is the bill limits coverage to veterans who died on or after September 11, 2001, excluding earlier veteran suicides.
- The bill does not clearly explain how the VA will verify who is a next of kin or how families will obtain the flag. This could delay or complicate access.
- Creating a licensing requirement may add cost or paperwork for small flag makers; the bill does not state license fees or criteria.
- Enforcement details are vague: the scope and frequency of penalties, and who enforces them, are not explained.
- Implementing the program will likely need VA staff and funding, but the bill provides no cost estimate or funding mechanism.