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HB 1929

TO CREATE THE RECOGNIZING JUDEA AND SAMARIA ACT; AND TO PROHIBIT STATE AGENCIES FROM USING THE TERM "WEST BANK" IN OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT MATERIALS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Dotson and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1929 mandates Arkansas state agencies to use "Judea and Samaria" instead of "West Bank," reshaping official terminology and public discourse on these territories.

Notification that HB1929 is now Act 797
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1929

Summary of House Bill 1929: Recognizing Judea and Samaria Act

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 1929
Title: To Create the Recognizing Judea and Samaria Act; and to Prohibit State Agencies from Using the Term "West Bank" in Official Government Materials
Status: Now Act 797
Introduced: March 31, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1929 aims to officially recognize the territories known as Judea and Samaria, which are currently controlled by Israel, and to prohibit state agencies in Arkansas from using the term "West Bank" in any official government materials. The bill seeks to align the terminology used by state agencies with the historical names of these regions.

Key Provisions

  1. Terminology Change:

    • The bill mandates that the lands controlled by Israel since the 1967 Six-Day War be referred to as "Judea and Samaria," with specific delineations:
      • Judea: The area south of Jerusalem
      • Samaria: The area north of Jerusalem

  2. Prohibition on "West Bank":

    • State agencies are prohibited from using the term "West Bank" in any official government materials, which include guidance, rules, briefings, press releases, or communications.

  3. Waiver Provision:

    • The executive head of a state agency may waive this prohibition if they determine it is in the state's interest. A written explanation for the waiver must be submitted within 30 days to the General Assembly or the Legislative Council, depending on whether the Assembly is in session.

Affected Parties

  • State Agencies: All departments, divisions, offices, boards, commissions, and institutions of the state of Arkansas will be impacted by this legislation, as they will need to adjust their terminology in official documents.
  • Public and Stakeholders: The change in terminology may affect how the public and various stakeholders perceive and discuss the regions of Judea and Samaria.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 31, 2025: Bill filed.
  • April 1, 2025: First reading; rules suspended; referred to the Committee on State Agencies & Government Affairs.
  • April 3, 2025: Amendment No. 1 adopted; bill ordered engrossed.
  • April 7, 2025: Passed in the House and transmitted to the Senate.
  • April 8, 2025: Received from the House; passed in the Senate.
  • April 14, 2025: Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's Office.
  • April 17, 2025: Notification that HB 1929 is now Act 797.

Conclusion

House Bill 1929 represents a significant shift in the official terminology used by the state of Arkansas regarding the regions of Judea and Samaria. By prohibiting the use of "West Bank," the bill aligns state language with a specific historical perspective, potentially influencing public discourse and state agency communications regarding these territories.

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

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