House Bill 1697 and Senate Bill 1712 propose amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the protocol for lowering flags to half-staff. The bills introduce new provisions that allow a county mayor to order flags on county property to be lowered in honor of a prominent citizen's death. Similarly, the legislation permits the chief executive officer of a municipality to make the same order for flags on municipal property.

These amendments aim to provide local leaders with the authority to recognize the contributions and significance of prominent citizens within their communities through the symbolic act of lowering flags. The bills emphasize the importance of honoring local figures and ensure that such decisions can be made at the county and municipal levels. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law, prioritizing public welfare.