HB2 Alabama 2026 Session

Updated Mar 4, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: David StandridgeRepresentative
Republican
Session: 2026 Regular Session
Title: Gulf of Mexico, renamed, observation and implementation by state and local entities and state and local employees required where practicable
Summary: HB2 would rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in Alabama and require state and local entities and their employees to use the new name where practicable beginning Oct 1, 2026.
What This Bill Does
The bill designates the Gulf of America as the official name for the body of water along Alabama's coast. Starting October 1, 2026, state and local entities and their employees must refer to it as the Gulf of America and reflect that name in new maps, documents, educational materials, websites, and official communications. They should update existing resources to reflect the name change where practicable, unless doing so would create an operational or financial burden. Public K-12 schools and public colleges may still use the term Gulf of Mexico when it is necessary for historical or instructional purposes.

Who It Affects
State and local government entities and their employees in Alabama, who must use and reflect the new name 'Gulf of America' in official materials and communications starting Oct 1, 2026.
Public K-12 schools and public institutions of higher education, which may use 'Gulf of Mexico' in historical or instructional contexts as appropriate.

Key Provisions
Renaming and official usage: The Alabama body of water bordering the coast shall be officially named the 'Gulf of America' in all state and local government references.
Implementation requirements: From Oct 1, 2026, entities must refer to the Gulf of America in maps, documents, educational materials, websites, and official communications; update existing resources where practicable and not unduly burdensome; Gulf of Mexico may be used for historical purposes in education.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Government Administration