Summary of HB 31: Recognizing Judea and Samaria

Bill Overview

• Bill Number: HB 31
• Title: Recognizing Judea and Samaria
• Introduced: January 22, 2025
• Current Status: Now in Government Operations Subcommittee
• Effective Date: July 1, 2026

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 31 is to officially recognize the territories known as Judea and Samaria, which were annexed by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War. The bill aims to replace the term "West Bank" with "Judea and Samaria" in all official government materials within the state of Florida.

Key Provisions

1. Legislative Intent:

   • The bill expresses the intent of the Florida Legislature to refer to the land annexed by Israel as "Judea and Samaria," with specific geographical distinctions (south of Jerusalem as "Judea" and north as "Samaria").

2. Prohibition of Terminology:

   • State agencies are prohibited from using the term "West Bank" in any official government materials.
   • State funds cannot be used to create materials that refer to Judea and Samaria as the "West Bank."

3. Waiver Provision:

   • The head of a state agency may waive this prohibition if deemed in the best interest of the state, provided a written explanation is submitted to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House within 30 days.

4. Definitions:

   • The bill defines "official government material" as any document prepared by a state agency, including guidance, rules, and communications.

Impact

• Affected Parties:

  • The bill will impact all state agencies and their communications regarding the territories of Judea and Samaria.
  • It may also influence public perception and discourse regarding these regions, aligning state terminology with certain political views.

• Procedural Aspects:

  • The bill is currently pending committee action in the House of Origin and has undergone several referrals to various committees since its introduction.
  • The effective date of the bill is set for July 1, 2026, allowing time for implementation and adjustment by state agencies.

Legislative Actions

• January 13, 2026: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Health.
• August 14, 2025: Filed for consideration.
• October 1, 2025: Referred to the Government Operations Subcommittee and State Affairs Committee.

Sponsors

• Primary Sponsors: Tramont, Tendrich
• Cosponsors: Benarroch, Partington, Black, Kendall

This summary provides an overview of HB 31, detailing its intent, key provisions, and potential impacts on state operations and terminology regarding Judea and Samaria.