A bill to rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America moved closer to becoming law, but not without several Democratic lawmakers questioning the need. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. David Standridge, R-Hayden, said schools and state agencies need clarity on how to refer to the gulf for purposes of state government in Alabama. His bill says that beginning Oct. 1, state and local entities and their employees will use the new terminology in all newly created resources, and even update preexisting ones, but will not affect teaching history about the gulf. Rep. Marilyn Lands, D-Huntsville, said the Legislature should be working on more important issues — like “mental health crisis” — than endorsing Trump’s name change. The committee approved Standridge’s bill on a voice vote, with several Democrats voting no. That moves the bill into position to pass the House. Reporting by Mike Cason #gulfofamerica #gulfoftrump #gulfofmexico #laws #legislation