Require the use of certain geographic terminology in official materials of a state agency.
Impact
The implementation of SB59 will affect the language used in all types of official materials produced by South Dakota state agencies. These materials include administrative rules, communications, guidance documents, and press releases. The bill represents a significant shift in how state agencies are instructed to refer to the contested area, potentially reflecting a broader political stance by the state government towards the region. By requiring the use of specific terminology, the bill emphasizes certain narratives regarding the historical and political context of the land.
Summary
Senate Bill 59 requires state agencies in South Dakota to use specific geographic terminology when referring to a certain region of land adjacent to Jordan, which was obtained by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War. Specifically, the bill mandates that state agencies must use the terms 'Judea and Samaria,' 'Judea,' or 'Samaria,' and prohibits the use of the term 'West Bank' in any written or printed official government material. This legislation aims to standardize the language used in government documents regarding this politically sensitive area.
Contention
This bill could generate considerable debate among legislators, citizens, and advocacy groups. Proponents may argue that the bill promotes a favorable narrative aligning with certain political views regarding Israel. Conversely, opponents could see this as an unnecessary politicization of language that may not respect the complexities of the historical context surrounding the region. The exclusion of 'West Bank' may also be viewed as an attempt to disregard the Palestinian perspective, leading to potential backlash from groups advocating for a more neutral or inclusive terminology.
Applying to the United States Congress for a convention of the states to propose amendments to the United States Constitution regarding the imposition of fiscal restraints on the federal government, further limiting the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limiting the terms of office for members of Congress and other federal officials.