Bill > HB3634

This bill mandates the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America across all Texas state agencies and legal documents, establishing a comprehensive framework for implementing this change. The legislation requires state agencies to update all references to "Gulf of Mexico" to "Gulf of America" by April 1, 2026, with priority given to materials affecting public health, safety, homeland security, and commerce. Agencies must develop implementation plans, document associated costs, and maintain data integrity during the transition. The bill includes provisions for public comment, with the governor and secretary of state required to solicit and summarize feedback by January 1, 2026. State agencies must also submit progress reports to the legislature by September 1, 2026, detailing their implementation efforts and challenges. The bill provides flexibility for agencies to avoid unnecessary burdens and allows coordination with federal agencies, and it includes enforcement mechanisms such as potential audits by the state auditor and injunctive relief by the attorney general. Importantly, the bill specifies that this renaming is contingent on and aligned with potential federal law or executive orders, and it does not invalidate existing legal proceedings or documents that reference the Gulf of Mexico.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3634