Committee approves bill asking Tennessee agencies to call the West Bank ‘Judea and Samaria’
March 24, 2026 | 2026 Legislature TN, Tennessee
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The Senate State and Local Government Committee on Jan. 24 voted to advance SB 16-63, which would require Tennessee state agencies to refer to the territory commonly known as the West Bank with the terminology 'Judea and Samaria' in official documents.
Sponsor Sen. Jack Rose described the bill as an administrative terminology change to create a uniform naming convention for state documents. “This creates a uniform terminology requirement for Tennessee state agencies from an administrative standpoint,” Rose said, noting other states have taken similar steps.
Outside witnesses delivered sharply divided testimony. Daryl Heading of the Shai Fund and Laurie Cardoza Moore, president of Proclaiming Justice to the Nations, supported the bill, arguing the terms carry historical and religious significance. Heading told the committee the modern use of 'West Bank' stems from Jordan’s prior rule and asserted historical claims and concerns about terminology.
Opposing testimony came from Haney Nofal, who identified himself as an American of Palestinian descent and a U.S. military veteran. Nofal said the bill imports political language into Tennessee law and compels the state to choose terminology aligned with one side of a foreign conflict. “This bill does not belong in Tennessee law,” he said, arguing the term choice is political and not neutral.
After amendment and debate the committee approved SB 16-63 by a vote of five in favor, three opposed and one pass and sent it to the calendar.
Where it stands: The committee adopted an amendment and passed the bill; the sponsor and proponents framed the bill as historical/administrative, while opponents called it compelled political speech.
What’s next: SB 16-63 moves to the Senate calendar for possible floor consideration. The measure’s supporters said it will not change local operations; opponents warned it imposes a political label on state communications.
Reported from the State and Local Government Committee hearing. Quotations are from witnesses and senators during committee proceedings.
Sponsor Sen. Jack Rose described the bill as an administrative terminology change to create a uniform naming convention for state documents. “This creates a uniform terminology requirement for Tennessee state agencies from an administrative standpoint,” Rose said, noting other states have taken similar steps.
Outside witnesses delivered sharply divided testimony. Daryl Heading of the Shai Fund and Laurie Cardoza Moore, president of Proclaiming Justice to the Nations, supported the bill, arguing the terms carry historical and religious significance. Heading told the committee the modern use of 'West Bank' stems from Jordan’s prior rule and asserted historical claims and concerns about terminology.
Opposing testimony came from Haney Nofal, who identified himself as an American of Palestinian descent and a U.S. military veteran. Nofal said the bill imports political language into Tennessee law and compels the state to choose terminology aligned with one side of a foreign conflict. “This bill does not belong in Tennessee law,” he said, arguing the term choice is political and not neutral.
After amendment and debate the committee approved SB 16-63 by a vote of five in favor, three opposed and one pass and sent it to the calendar.
Where it stands: The committee adopted an amendment and passed the bill; the sponsor and proponents framed the bill as historical/administrative, while opponents called it compelled political speech.
What’s next: SB 16-63 moves to the Senate calendar for possible floor consideration. The measure’s supporters said it will not change local operations; opponents warned it imposes a political label on state communications.
Reported from the State and Local Government Committee hearing. Quotations are from witnesses and senators during committee proceedings.
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