Pending

SJR 113 is a joint resolution that adopts the distorted IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its contemporary examples targeting advocacy for Palestinian rights, into state law addressing discrimination as well as other areas of law. These antisemitism redefinition efforts conflate criticism of Israel and Palestinians’ experience and history with anti-Jewish hate, infringing on protected expression and exacerbating anti-Palestinian racism. Related resolution: AJR 211.

This anti-boycott bill prohibits state contracts with companies, including non-profits, that boycott Israel or entities “authorized, licensed, or organized to do business by the State of Israel,” which would encompass illegal Israeli settlements. Contractors must provide a written certification that they are not and will not for the duration of the contract engage in such boycotts. The bill excludes contracts whose total value is less than $100,000 and contractors that have fewer than 10 employees.

HB 1898 is an anti-boycott bill that prohibits public bodies in Virginia from contracting with entities that engage in boycott activity against Israel or entities “authorized by, licensed by, or organized under the laws of the State of Israel,” which encompass illegal Israeli settlements. This bill requires potential contractors to certify that they will not boycott Israel during the performance of the contract and applies to contracts worth over $100,000 and to contractors with more than 10 employees. The contractor is also required to impose the written certification on subcontracts or purchases over $10,000. Earlier versions of the bill included a civil penalty of three times the amount of the contract for violations of these requirements. It also prohibited public institutions of higher education in Virginia from boycotting Israel and imposed written certification requirements. Related bills: SB 1375.

S 2434 is an antisemitism redefinition bill that directs the state to consider the distorted IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its contemporary examples related to Israel, for the purpose of determining whether a discriminatory act had antisemitic intent. The legislative statement accompanying the text notes that the bill “establishes a State definition of anti-Semitism.” Similar bills (S 4001/H 5755 ) were defeated after civil rights groups raised constitutional concerns. Related bill:  A 3882.

A 3882 is an antisemitism redefinition bill that directs the state to consider the distorted IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its contemporary examples related to Israel, for the purpose of determining whether a discriminatory act had antisemitic intent. The legislative statement accompanying the text notes that the bill “establishes a State definition of anti-Semitism.” Similar bills (S 4001/H 5755 ) were defeated after civil rights groups raised constitutional concerns. Related bill: S 2434.