Bill > SB1663

This bill, known as the "Recognizing Judea and Samaria Act," mandates that Tennessee state agencies cease using the term "West Bank" in official government materials when referring to the regions of Judea and Samaria, and prohibits the use of state funds to create such materials. The bill's findings declare that Judea and Samaria are the ancestral heartland of the Jewish people, biblically significant, and that the term "West Bank" was a political construct imposed during Jordanian occupation to sever the land from its Jewish historical roots. It asserts that the historical names "Judea" and "Samaria" are accurate and that Israel's sovereignty in these areas is consistent with international law and serves U.S. strategic interests by preventing terrorist-controlled states and promoting regional stability. The act allows for waivers of this prohibition by agency heads under specific circumstances, requiring a written explanation to the General Assembly. This legislation takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1663&ga=114