Mr. Bartlett, a Republican representing Western Maryland, said he was shocked to learn from constituent and flag dealer, Hugh Warner, that some homeowner associations and condos prevented the flying of the flag.

The Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005 is effective immediately. It was signed at the White House in a private ceremony with the president, he said.

The legislation compromised between the right to fly the flag and the rights of the residential associations to protect the value of properties, Mr. Bartlett said.

Association rules that prevented the flag's display "were an inadvertent consequence of reasonable regulations that said you shouldn't do things that would depreciate your neighbor's property," Mr. Bartlett said.

The right to fly the flag is the first to pass from 10 bills called the "American Values Agenda," which includes protections for the public display of religion, tax relief for families, prohibition of cloning and defining marriage as between one man and one woman. The agenda was developed by House leadership.

"The American Values Agenda is a collection of legislative initiatives that speak to the values many American citizens hold dear," House Majority Leader John Boehner, an Ohio Republican, said in a press release.

According to CNN, the package aims to energize conservatives before the midterm elections.

In a press release sent in late June, National Independent Flag Dealer's Association President Lori Watson said people in every state were affected by the law that banned the flying of the U.S. flag.

"I've had WWII veterans in tears, calling me and begging us for years for our help so they can fly the American flag," she said.

Under the legislation, no condominium association, cooperative association or residential real-estate management association can adopt or enforce a policy restricting members of the association from flying the American flag on their residential properties.

But it would permit "any reasonable restriction pertaining to the time, place or manner of displaying the flag."

Eleven states have similar laws.

Post your comments » Round 2: Snow expected to fall today, Wednesday Fast on the heels of the largest 24-hour snowfall to hit the Frederick County since 1983, meteorologists are predicting another round of heavy snow and wind to hit today. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Monday afternoon for the area, including Frederick County, and said 10 to 20 inches of snow is possible by Wednesday night. Weather-related closings, delays A list follows of weather-related closings and cancellations for Monday. Fire and police blotter Police search for robber School closures cause makeup schedule revision Even though Frederick County Public Schools are closed today -- using the sixth snow day this school year -- the school system will not hold school on the Monday Presidents Day holiday as the first scheduled snow makeup day. Crowds pay respect to fallen marine Even U.S. Marines couldn't hold back tears Monday at the viewing of their colleague, Sgt. David Smith. The procession to the Frederick Christian Fellowship Church was led by Frederick County Sheriff's deputies. Dressed in full military regalia, Marines carried Smith's casket into the church followed by family members as more Marines stood at attention.