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SB 1717

Relating to the terminology used in statute, resolutions, rules, and other state publications to refer to the partially landlocked body of water on the southeastern periphery of the North American continent.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Brandon Creighton and 4 co-sponsors

Texas bill standardizes Gulf of Mexico terminology across state statutes and publications for legal consistency and administrative clarity.

Referred to State Affairs
#coastalaffairs&beaches(i0067) #gulfofamerica(gl83v) #gulfofmexico(g4223) #legislativecouncil #texas(v0001) #legislature(i0520) #sunsetadvisorycommission(v8389) #stateagencies #boards&commissions(i0749)
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Bill Summary · SB 1717

Legislative bill overview

SB 1717 proposes standardizing the terminology used across Texas state statutes, resolutions, rules, and official publications when referring to the Gulf of Mexico. The bill appears to be a technical correction measure aimed at ensuring consistency in how this body of water is named throughout state legal and administrative documents.

Why is this important

Consistent terminology in state law prevents confusion in legal interpretation and enforcement, particularly for regulations affecting maritime commerce, environmental protection, and coastal management. Standardized naming conventions also ensure clarity for businesses, agencies, and citizens interacting with multiple state documents that may currently use varying references to the same geographic location.

Potential points of contention

  • The bill's text does not specify which terminology will be standardized or what changes are being made, leaving unclear whether this involves renaming, translation considerations, or simply unifying existing variants
  • Questions about whether this change has practical significance or represents a symbolic/political statement about regional identity or naming preferences
  • Potential concern about legislative time spent on terminology issues when other substantive policy matters may be pending

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

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