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Bill

HB 2

RELATING TO LIQUOR LICENSES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Greggor Ilagan

The Gulf of America Act mandates Alabama state and local entities to rename the Gulf of Mexico to "Gulf of America" in all communications by October 2026.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#denial #liquorlicenses #protest #renewal
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Bill Summary · HB 2

Summary of HB 2 - Gulf of America Act

Bill Number: HB 2
Title: Gulf of Mexico, renamed, observation and implementation by state and local entities and state and local employees required where practicable
Status: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on State Government
Introduced: June 25, 2025
Effective Date: October 1, 2026

Purpose and Intent

The Gulf of America Act aims to officially rename the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" within the state of Alabama. The bill mandates that all state and local entities, as well as their employees, adopt this new terminology in their communications and materials where feasible.

Key Provisions

  1. Renaming the Gulf:

    • The body of water previously known as the Gulf of Mexico will be referred to as the "Gulf of America" for all purposes within Alabama.

  2. Implementation Requirements:

    • Starting October 1, 2025, state and local entities must:
      • Use the term "Gulf of America" in all official communications, maps, documents, educational materials, and websites.
      • Make reasonable efforts to update existing resources to reflect the name change, unless doing so would impose an operational or financial burden.

  3. Educational Exceptions:

    • Public K-12 schools and institutions of higher education may still use "Gulf of Mexico" in academic contexts when it is appropriate for historical instruction.

Affected Parties

  • State and Local Entities: All government departments and agencies in Alabama will be required to comply with the name change.
  • Employees: All employees of these entities will need to adopt the new terminology in their work.
  • Educational Institutions: Schools and universities will have the flexibility to use the old name for educational purposes.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on June 25, 2025, and was read for the first time on January 13, 2026. It has been referred to the House Committee on State Government for further consideration.
  • The act is set to become effective on October 1, 2026, allowing time for entities to prepare for the implementation of the name change.

Conclusion

The Gulf of America Act represents a significant change in the nomenclature of a major geographical feature in Alabama. By mandating the use of the new name across various state and local platforms, the bill aims to foster a unified identity associated with the Gulf of America.

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

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