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Committee advances bill requiring Florida documents to use 'Judea and Samaria' instead of 'West Bank'
Summary
CS for HB 31 would direct state agencies and educational materials to use the historical names 'Judea and Samaria' rather than 'West Bank.' The measure drew sharply divided public testimony and debate over identity, federal naming standards and classroom impacts before the committee reported it favorably, 20-4.
Representative Sharon Tremont, the sponsor, told the State Affairs Committee that CS for HB 31 would require Florida state agencies and educational materials to use the terms “Judea and Samaria” instead of the internationally recognized term “West Bank.” Tremont said the change is intended to restore historical accuracy in state documents and education and “does not redraw borders” or dictate foreign policy.
The bill’s sponsor framed the policy as limited to state materials. “Words matter,” Tremont said, arguing the change corrects what she described as an historical erasure. She told the committee passports in the region are issued by the Palestinian Authority and said the measure would not list different borders or affect international law.
The measure prompted extensive public testimony and debate. Amina Spakhic, political director for Florida for All, testified that “this bill is an erasure of Palestinian people,” urging committee members to vote no. Adam Ubunta of MoveOn/Engage Action Florida warned the committee that the bill could put state agencies at odds with federal naming standards and would “insert [Florida] into one of the most sensitive political conflicts in the world.” Several speakers who identified as Jewish, including Matthew Grocholski and Rabbi Lipskar, voiced support, saying the bill recognizes historical names and protects Jewish heritage.
Committee members expressed a range of concerns and support during debate. Opponents argued the bill could marginalize Palestinian and Muslim Floridians and unnecessarily involve state government in an international naming dispute. Representative Victoria Escamani and others said they worried about the bill's educational and diplomatic effects and suggested more time or amendments. Supporters said the bill is administrative and about terminology; Representative Tenderich described it as correcting an earlier renaming she characterized as an attempt to erase Jewish history.
After debate, the committee voted by roll call to report CS for HB 31 favorably, 20 yeas and 4 nays. No amendments were adopted on the floor of the committee. The sponsor said the bill’s scope is limited to state documents and curriculum updates as textbooks are replaced.
Next steps: CS for HB 31 was reported favorably to the House calendar. The committee did not schedule further hearings during this meeting.
