MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has signed HB2 into law, officially renaming the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America” for all state and local purposes — declaring, “It’s got a nice ring to it. And it just makes sense.”
The bill, sponsored by Rep. David Standridge, R-Hayden, passed the Alabama House 74-30 in February before clearing the Senate 26-5, where Republicans used a cloture petition to limit Democratic debate. Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth refused to recognize Democrats seeking to speak on the measure.
Beginning Oct. 1, 2026, all state and local entities will be required to use the “Gulf of America” name in maps, documents, websites, educational materials, and official communications. Updates to pre-existing materials are required only where practicable and won’t be mandated if compliance imposes a financial burden. Public schools and universities may still use “Gulf of Mexico” for historical instructional purposes…