Bill > SB1410

This bill seeks to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America across all Texas state government agencies and legal documents, establishing a comprehensive framework for this name change. The legislation requires all state agencies to update their rules, policies, and materials to replace "Gulf of Mexico" with "Gulf of America" by April 1, 2026, with priority given to documents related to public health, safety, homeland security, and commerce. The bill mandates that state agencies develop implementation plans, document associated costs, and maintain data integrity during the transition. The governor and secretary of state are required to solicit public comment on the implementation by January 1, 2026, and each agency must submit a progress report to the legislature by September 1, 2026. The bill includes provisions for potential federal coordination and allows the state auditor to review agency compliance, with the attorney general empowered to seek injunctive relief against non-compliant agencies. Importantly, the bill stipulates that the name change is contingent on a federal law or executive order renaming the gulf, and it includes a safeguard clause that prevents implementation if such a change would jeopardize federal funding or legal requirements. The legislation also authorizes the Texas Legislative Council to prepare a comprehensive revision of state codes to reflect the new name, ensuring consistent terminology across all state documents.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1410