The bill, H.B. No. 295, seeks to amend the Government Code of Texas by adding a new subtitle and chapter that specifically addresses the terminology used by state agencies when referring to the landlocked territory on the western bank of the Jordan River. The legislation introduces "Subtitle Y. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS" and "CHAPTER 2901. RECOGNITION OF JUDEA AND SAMARIA," which includes definitions for terms such as "official agency statement" and "state agency." The bill expresses the legislature's intent to refer to the territory liberated by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War by its historical names, "Judea" and "Samaria," while prohibiting the use of the term "West Bank" in any official agency statements.
Furthermore, the bill stipulates that state agencies may only use the terms "Judea and Samaria," "Judea," or "Samaria" in official communications, with a provision allowing the term "West Bank" to be used only under specific circumstances. If an agency's executive head determines that using "West Bank" is in the state's interest, they must provide a written explanation to the legislature or governor within 30 days. This act will take effect 91 days after the end of the legislative session.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()