Senate Moves To Cut Ties With Businesses Boycotting Israel

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) - The Florida Senate has unanimously passed a bill which takes aim at businesses that boycott Israel.

The bill, sponsored by incoming Senate President Joe Negron, would require the State Board of Administration to compile a list of companies that boycott Israel.

The State Board of Administration, which runs Florida's pension fund, would not be able to invest in those companies. Also, the bill would prevent state and local governments from entering into contracts worth $1 million or more with the companies.

"This bill says that if you discriminate against Israel, the state of Florida does not want to invest in your company or enter into contracts with your company," said Negron, who is slated to become Senate president after the November elections.

A similar House bill, sponsored by Rep. Ritch Workman, Rep. Jared Moskowitz and Rep. Kevin Rader was approved unanimously Wednesday by the House Government Operations Subcommittee.

The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.

In:
• Israel
• Florida Legislature
• Florida Senate
• Florida House