Relating to the terminology used in statute to refer to the partially landlocked body of water on the southeastern periphery of the North American continent.
Impact
The passage of HB 2246 would have significant implications for state laws that refer to maritime and coastal provisions. By mandating the use of 'Gulf of America,' existing and future state regulations would need to undergo review and amendment to align with the newly adopted terminology. This could potentially affect various sectors, including environmental protections, tourism management, and resource allocation in legislation pertaining to coastal areas. Furthermore, this bill underscores the importance of language precision in lawmaking, potentially informing future legislative approaches to nomenclature in other geographic contexts.
Summary
House Bill 2246 is designed to alter the terminology used within Texas state statutes regarding the body of water previously referred to as the 'Gulf of Mexico.' The bill proposes that all references to this body of water be replaced with the term 'Gulf of America.' This change is motivated by the belief that the current terminology is outdated and inaccurately describes the hydrological region. The bill seeks to establish a legislative framework wherein future statutes will adhere to this new terminology, thereby promoting a consistent linguistic approach in government communication.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 2246 appears ambivalent. Proponents of the bill advocate for the change as a forward-thinking measure that reflects contemporary understanding and representation of the geographical region. They argue that this rebranding initiative can empower state identity and pride. Conversely, critics may express concerns over the practicality and necessity of the legislation, positing that the resources required for implementing this bill could be allocated towards more urgent coastal management issues, such as environmental protection or disaster response.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the financial and administrative responsibilities that may arise from the implementation of the bill. Critics question whether the potential benefits of changing the terminology justify the associated costs of revising existing statutes and official documentation. Additionally, there may be wider apprehension regarding how this change aligns with broader regional or national approaches to environmental governance. Overall, the discussions reflected the complexities inherent in legislative changes that involve linguistic modifications to established laws.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Water Code
Chapter 11. Water Rights
Section: 142
Section: 1421
Section: 3271
Chapter 13. Water Rates And Services
Section: 245
Section: 2451
Natural Resources Code
Chapter 32. School Land Board
Section: 067
Chapter 33. Management Of Coastal Public Land
Section: New Section
Section: 203
Section: 203
Section: 233
Section: 607
Section: 613
Transportation Code
Chapter 623. Permits For Oversize Or Overweight Vehicles
Section: 406
Section: 406
Chapter 644. Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
Section: 101
Tax Code
Chapter 351. Municipal Hotel Occupancy Taxes
Section: 1055
Section: 1066
Section: 107
Section: 1055
Section: 1066
Parks And Wildlife Code
Chapter 1. General Provisions
Section: 011
Chapter 47. Commercial Fishing Licenses
Section: 051
Chapter 66. Fish And Aquatic Plants
Section: New Section
Chapter 13. Powers And Duties Concerning Parks And Other Recreational Areas
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