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Overview

In effect as of November 2020, Oklahoma’s anti-boycott law prohibits state contracts with companies that boycott goods or services from Israel or territories it occupies. The law also prohibits the state from adopting policies that require a boycott of Israel or territories it occupies. A bill creating a blacklist of companies that boycott Israel and prohibiting the state from investing in those companies failed to pass in 2018. In 2016, the state adopted a resolution condemning boycotts for Palestinian rights.

State Legislation

Legislation
HB 3967
Status
In Effect
In Effect Since
November 2020
Type(s)
Anti-boycott, State Contracts
Full Text
Read HB 3967 

This anti-boycott law prohibits state contracts with for-profit entities that boycott Israel or territories occupied by Israel. The law requires contractors to sign a written certification that they are not engaged in a boycott of goods or services from Israel that form an integral part of the state contract. It excludes contracts worth less than $100,000 and contracts with individuals. The law also prohibits the state from adopting policies that require a boycott of Israel or territories occupied by Israel.

Defeated Legislation

Legislation
HB 1512
Status
Defeated
Defeated On
May 2018
Type(s)
Anti-boycott, State Contracts, State Investments
Full Text
Read HB 1512 

This anti-boycott bill prohibits state contracts with and state investment in entities, including sole proprietorships and non-profits, that boycott Israel or territories occupied by Israel. The bill requires contractors to sign a written certification that they do not and will not engage in boycotts of Israel. It excludes contracts worth less than $1,000 or contractors who bid at least 20% less than other bidders. The bill calls for the creation of a blacklist of companies that boycott Israel and prohibits Oklahoma public retirement systems from investing in these companies. It also prohibits Oklahoma public entities from boycotting Israel, a provision aimed at discouraging divestment campaigns at public universities.

Resolutions

Legislation
HR 1063 (2022)
Status
Passed
Date Passed
May 2022
Full Text
Read HR 1063 (2022) 

This non-binding resolution takes aim at Ben & Jerry’s 2021 announcement that it would stop doing business in illegal Israeli settlements. Ben & Jerry’s and its London-based parent company, Unilever, have come under attack from Israel and its allies who have called for states to use anti-boycott laws to divest from Unilever. The resolution declares it inconsistent with Oklahoma’s anti-boycott law (HB 3967) for Oklahoma to invest any state funds in companies such as Unilever that decide not to do business with illegal settlements. Although Oklahoma’s anti-boycott law targets only state contracts and not investments, the resolution calls on the State Treasurer and Comptroller to divest the state and its retirement funds of all Unilever investments. 

Legislation
HR 1037
Status
Passed
Date Passed
February 2016
Full Text
Read HR 1037 

This non-binding resolution from the Oklahoma House of Representatives condemns boycotts for Palestinian rights, specifically focusing on student activism and academic boycotts. The resolution falsely links boycotts for justice with a rise in antisemitism. Related bill: HR 1035.

Defeated Legislation

Legislation
HR 1035
Status
Defeated
Defeated On
May 2016
Full Text
Read HR 1035 

This non-binding resolution from the Oklahoma House of Representatives condemns boycotts for Palestinian rights, specifically focusing on student activism and academic boycotts. The resolution falsely links boycotts for justice with a rise in antisemitism. A nearly identical resolution, HR 1037, introduced two days later with additional coauthors, was adopted. 

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