HB43 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Laura HallRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

State coat of arms, altered, Secs. 1-2-1, 1-2-2 am'd.

Summary

HB43 would alter Alabama's official state coat of arms to a new design with specific heraldic elements and a Latin motto, taking effect October 1, 2021.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Sections 1-2-1 and 1-2-2 of the Alabama Code to define a new official coat of arms. It describes a shield carrying the flags of Spain, France, Great Britain, and the Confederacy, along with the United States shield, and supported by two eagles; the crest features a ship representing the Badine, and a Latin motto Audemus jura nostra defendere appears beneath the shield with the word Alabama underneath. The design details are provided in heraldic terms, including the arrangement of quarters for the France, Spain, Great Britain, and Confederacy symbols, with the U.S. shield at the center. The act would take effect on October 1, 2021, after approval by the Governor or otherwise becoming law.

Who It Affects

• Group 1: Alabama state government and public agencies, which would adopt and display the revised official coat of arms as the state's symbol.
• Group 2: Alabama residents, educators, and historians who reference or learn about the state symbol, who would encounter the updated design and motto in official materials and educational contexts.

Key Provisions

• Amends Sections 1-2-1 and 1-2-2 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to establish the revised official coat of arms with the elements described (shield carrying four nations' flags and the U.S. shield, support by two eagles, crest with the Badine ship, and the motto Audemus jura nostra defendere with 'Alabama' beneath).
• Specifies the heraldic details of the arms, including the quarters representing France, Spain, Great Britain, and the Confederacy, and the central U.S. shield with two eagles as supporters.
• Sets the act to become effective on October 1, 2021, contingent on passage and approval by the Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Symbols