HB81 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mark GidleyRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

State government; use of term "West Bank" prohibited as reference to Judea and Samaria

Summary

HB81 would prohibit Alabama state government entities from using the term West Bank to refer to Judea and Samaria in official documents, with a waiver option and an effective date in 2026.

What This Bill Does

HB81 would prohibit any Alabama state government entity from using the term West Bank to refer to Judea and Samaria in official government materials. It would also bar using state funds to create materials that refer to Judea and Samaria as West Bank. The executive head of a government entity could waive the prohibition if it serves the state's interests, but must submit a written explanation within 30 days to the Legislature if in session or to the Legislative Council if not. The measure would take effect on October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• State government entities (including the state, subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities) would be restricted from using West Bank in official materials and from using state funds to create such materials.
• Executive heads of government entities would gain a waiver option and reporting obligation, needing to document the waiver and share it with the Legislature or Legislative Council within 30 days.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits use of the term West Bank to refer to Judea and Samaria in all official government material and bars using state funds to create materials that refer to Judea and Samaria as West Bank.
• Allows the executive head of a government entity to waive the prohibition if the waiver is in the state's interests, with a written explanation due within 30 days to the Legislature (if in session) or the Legislative Council (if not).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

State Government