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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
legitimacy; Judea and Samaria; recognition
Purpose
States that the Legislature recognizes the historical, biblical and legal legitimacy of the regions of Judea and Samaria and rejects the term West Bank.
Background
The geographic region commonly referred to as the West Bank substantially overlaps with the regions historically referred to as Judea and Samaria (U.S. Department of State).
In 2025, Arkansas enacted legislation that recognizes the regions of Judea and Samaria and prohibits official government materials from using the term West Bank (Arkansas State Legislature). Similar legislation has been introduced in Florida, Tennessee and the U.S. Congress.
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
· States that the members of the Legislature:
a) recognize the historical, biblical and legal legitimacy of the regions of Judea and Samaria and formally reject the term West Bank as a modern political construct; and
b) support the use of the terms Judea and Samaria in all official state communications, documents and references regarding those regions.
House Action
APPROP 2/4/26 DP 10-6-0-2
3rd Read 2/23/26 32-25-3
Prepared by Senate Research
March 10, 2026
AN/TR/ci