Defeated

HCR 8004 is a non-binding resolution affirming Israel’s right to exist and South Dakota’s relationship with Israel. The resolution falsely claims that boycotts for Palestinian rights are one of the main drivers of antisemitism and have resulted in intimidation of Jewish students on college campuses. The resolution declares that Israel “is neither an attacking force or an occupier of the lands of others.” Related legislation: HCR 6005.

HB 279 is an anti-boycott bill that prohibits state contracts with and state investment in companies that boycott Israel or territories occupied by Israel. For contracts worth more than $50,000, contractors must provide written certification that they are not and will not for the duration of the contract engage in boycotts of Israel. 

HJ 4 is a joint resolution rejecting BDS and calling on state agencies to take into consideration a company’s participation in boycotts of Israel in awarding grants or contracts or making investments.

SJR 88 is a non-binding resolution that condemns boycott, divestment, and sanctions efforts for Palestinian rights and “opposes all efforts to assault the legitimacy of Israel as the sovereign homeland of the Jewish people.”

AJR 103 is a non-binding resolution that condemns boycott, divestment, and sanctions efforts for Palestinian rights and “opposes all efforts to assault the legitimacy of Israel as the sovereign homeland of the Jewish people.”

SB 450 is an anti-boycott bill that prohibits state contracts with persons that boycott Israel or territories it occupies. Contractors must provide written certification that they are not and will not for the duration of the contract engage in such boycotts. It also prohibits state agencies or local governmental units from boycotting Israel, a provision aimed at discouraging divestment campaigns at public universities. An amendment changed “persons” to “companies,” defined as including sole proprietorships, and limited the application of the bill to contracts valued at $100,000 or more. Related legislation: AB 553 (passed).

HB 4674 is an anti-boycott bill that prohibits state contracts with and state investment in companies, including sole proprietorships, that boycott Israel or persons or entities doing business in Israel or territories it occupies. Contractors must provide written certification that they are not and will not for the duration of the contract engage in such boycotts. The bill also calls for the creation of a blacklist of companies that boycott Israel and requires the state treasurer and state retirement systems to divest from companies on the list. HB 4674 also prohibits public entities from adopting policies that have “the effect of inducing or requiring a person or company to boycott Israel,” in an effort to target divestment or other BDS campaigns at public universities.

HJM 4009 is a non-binding resolution condemning BDS and academic boycotts, in particular, and calling on other government officials to oppose BDS. The resolution falsely claims that boycotts for Palestinian rights have contributed to rising antisemitism and have resulted in intimidation of Jewish students on college campuses. 

HJM 4004 is a non-binding resolution condemning BDS and academic boycotts, in particular, and calling on other government officials to oppose BDS. The resolution falsely claims that boycotts for Palestinian rights have contributed to rising antisemitism and have resulted in intimidation of Jewish students on college campuses. 

This antisemitism redefinition bill amends Virginia’s Human Rights Act to adopt the 2010 US State Department fact sheet definition of antisemitism, including the contemporary examples related to Israel of “demonizing Israel,” “applying a double standard to Israel,” and “delegitimizing Israel.” The bill requires the consideration of this distorted definition when investigating discrimination complaints under the Human Rights Act or in the context of public institutions of higher education, meaning that political speech supportive of Palestinian rights could be deemed unlawful discrimination in the workplace, in public accommodations, and in educational institutions in Virginia.