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HR 93

A resolution to urge all public bodies in the state of Michigan to adopt the term “Gulf of America” in place of “Gulf of Mexico” in all official communications, publications, and references, and to call for immediate steps to implement this change by July 4, 2025.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Hall and 1 co-sponsor

Michigan House Resolution 93 urges state and local agencies to substitute 'Gulf of America' for 'Gulf of Mexico' in all official materials; advisory, nonbinding, no funding.

adopted
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 93

Summary — House Resolution 93 (HR 93): “Gulf of America” naming directive (Michigan)

Status: Adopted (resolution)
Introduced: 2025 (filed Aug. 27, 2025 per legislative record)
Sponsors: Rep. Matt Maddock and Rep. Hall (offered); additional sponsors/cosponsors listed in records include Andy Biggs, Reynolds, Angie O’Steen, Amy L. Grant, Joy Walters, and Steven Jackson.

Purpose and intent

HR 93 is a non‑binding House resolution urging Michigan state and local public bodies to replace the phrase “Gulf of Mexico” with “Gulf of America” in all official communications, publications, and references. The resolution frames the change as aligning state usage with a cited federal Executive Order (No. 14,172) and as reinforcing American identity and consistency with federal terminology.

Key provisions

  • Urges all Michigan public bodies — including departments, boards, commissions, offices, agencies, and other governmental units — to adopt the term “Gulf of America” in place of “Gulf of Mexico.”
  • Sets a target implementation date of no later than July 4, 2025.
  • Calls on the Governor, the Secretary of State, and heads of state departments and agencies to take immediate administrative steps to begin implementing the change and ensure consistent usage across state documents and platforms.
  • Directs copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Secretary of State, and directors of state departments for consideration and action.

Who would be affected

  • State and local public bodies in Michigan (communications offices, GIS/mapping, regulatory agencies, education materials, websites, printed reports).
  • Agency staff responsible for document content, labeling, maps, websites, databases, and public communications.
  • Third parties relying on official state terminology (e.g., contractors, educators, publishers) who may coordinate language with state materials.
  • Intergovernmental coordination with federal agencies and other states could be affected if terminology diverges.

Legal effect and implementation notes

  • This is a resolution (adopted by the House) and is advisory and non‑binding; it does not amend statutes, create penalties, or appropriate funds.
  • Implementation would be administrative: updating templates, websites, publications, signage, and internal style guides. No funding or enforcement mechanisms are provided.
  • The resolution cites a federal Executive Order directing a federal renaming; until federal records and international usages are updated, unilateral state renaming may create inconsistencies in maps, scientific literature, commerce, and cross‑jurisdictional communications.
  • The resolution’s internal deadline (July 4, 2025) precedes some recorded adoption dates in legislative records, which may mean the deadline would be effectively retrospective or symbolic for agencies.

Procedural history (selected)

  • Filed and listed in legislative records in 2025; multiple calendar and committee entries appear in the record.
  • House adoption is recorded in the legislative history (listed dates include adoption and enrollment actions in 2025).

This resolution primarily serves as a formal, symbolic urging of state agencies to change official nomenclature; it does not create new legal obligations or funding.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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