Section 1-3-11 The Gulf of America Act

(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the Gulf of America Act. (b) For all purposes within the State of Alabama, the body of water that borders the coast of Alabama, previously known as the Gulf of Mexico, shall be known as the “Gulf of America.” Any reference to the Gulf of Mexico shall be deemed to be a reference to the Gulf of America. (c) Beginning October 1, 2026, all state and local entities and their employees shall be required to do all of the following: (1) Refer to the body of water that borders the coast of Alabama as the “Gulf of America.” (2) Reflect the “Gulf of America” terminology in all newly created maps, documents, educational materials, websites, official communications, and other resources. (3)a. Make reasonable efforts to update all pre-existing resources owned by state and local entities, including, but not limited to, official state maps, documents, educational materials, websites, and communications under their jurisdiction to reflect the name change, where practicable. b. The requirements of paragraph a. shall not apply if compliance would impose an operational or financial burden on the state or local entity and their employees. (d) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a public K-12 school or public institution of higher education from using the term “Gulf of Mexico” within a larger course of academic instruction when reasonable for historical purposes.