Committee advances bill to replace 'West Bank' with 'Judea and Samaria' in state materials; witnesses sharply divided

Representative Tremont told the subcommittee that HB 31 requires Florida state agencies to use "historical" terminology by referring to the disputed area commonly called the West Bank as "Judea and Samaria." "Words matter," he said, arguing the terms are rooted in millennia of history.

The bill drew sustained public testimony. Opponents warned of real consequences for Palestinian, Arab and Muslim Floridians and for institutions that rely on internationally recognized terminology. "This bill erases an entire people," Vance Arons said in opposition, adding that the change would "erase the homeland of an entire group of people." Another opponent told the committee that many Floridians have the West Bank listed as their place of birth on federal passports and said the bill would tell them the state refuses to acknowledge their federally documented identity.

Supporters including Rabbi Orichman and representatives of Chabad urged historically accurate terminology and religious‑historical context. The sponsor offered and the committee passed a strike‑all amendment that removed a waiver provision and added language about educational materials; the sponsor said the change imposes no immediate cost because textbooks are updated on normal replacement cycles.

After debate the committee reported HB 31 favorably as a committee substitute (reported favorably with committee substitute); recorded roll-call results in committee were 15 yeas and 1 nay. The discussion focused on terminology, identity, and whether the state should legislate language affecting international geography and federal documents.

Next steps: HB 31 will advance with a committee substitute for consideration by the full House.