Senators Martins & Felder Announce Passage of Bill Supporting Israel and Other US Allies Targeted by Boycotts

     Senator Jack M. Martins (R-7th Senate District) and Senator Simcha Felder (D-17th Senate District) announced that the New York State Senate passed legislation they sponsored to prohibit the state from doing business with companies that seek to harm Israel and other American allies through boycotts and discriminatory economic agendas. The legislation (S6378A) would expand existing state law to prevent New York from entering into a state contract or investment with those seeking to economically harm American allies.

     Senator Martins said, “Our tax dollars should not be used to aid those who wish to harm our friends. Israel and our other allies stand side by side with us to protect New Yorkers and all Americans. We owe it to them to ensure our own resources are not used in efforts to attack them. This sends a strong message that New York State supports those who have continually supported us.”

     Senator Felder said, “Those who advocate and engage in boycotts against Israel, and who promote anti-Semitic ideology, have no place as a state contractor. This is very meaningful legislation that protects our nation’s allies and stands up against bigotry and injustice.”

     Current New York State law prohibits the state from directly engaging in an international boycott against American-allied nations. New York City has a similar prohibition as part of its administrative code. However, the state could indirectly support a boycott of American allies by providing state monies to businesses or individuals that participate in boycotts like the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement aimed at causing economic harm to Israel and the Israeli people.

     The legislation would expand New York’s law by prohibiting state contracting with, or state investment in businesses or individuals that promote or engage in activities to boycott, sanction, or divest in Israel and other American allied nations. This would prevent the state from becoming unwilling participants in a discriminatory agenda.

     The state would use publicly available information to develop a reference list of companies, organizations, or other entities that have engaged in or promoted boycotts of American allies. New Jersey, Illinois, and South Carolina have adopted similar laws to ensure that their taxpayers are not paying to support these entities.

     The legislation has been sent to the Assembly.