SACRAMENTO — Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation prohibiting California state government agencies from selling or display items displaying the Confederate flag.

Brown’s office on Thursday announced signing AB2444. It was introduced by Democratic Assemblyman Isadore Hall of Compton after his mother saw replica Confederate cash sold at the Capitol gift shop.

Hall, who is black, says the state should not promote a symbol of racism that is meant to intimidate. The gift shop no longer carries the item.

Lawmakers said AB2444 doesn’t violate free speech rights because it applies only to formal actions of government officials. It also allows for the flag to be displayed in books and museums for historical or educational purposes.

The law, which takes effects January, also doesn’t apply to people protesting or entering state property.

AP-WF-09-26-14 0111GMT