Oklahoma

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.