Ross bill pulls state (North Carolina) out of companies that boycott Israel - The Times-News Burlington, North Carolina

Rep. Stephen Ross, R-Burlington

Ross bill pulls state (North Carolina) out of companies that boycott Israel

By The Times-News  Burlington, North Carolina
Posted Jul 27, 2017


North Carolina will divest from companies that boycott Israel after Gov. Roy Cooper signed into law a bill sponsored by Rep. Stephen Ross, R-Burlington.

Ross filed “H161 — Divestment From Companies That Boycott Israel” on Feb. 21 with Reps. Jon Hardister, R-Guilford, and John Szoka, R-Cumberland. Cooper signed the bill Thursday.

“H161 will strengthen the state’s economic ties with Israel and show North Carolina’s dedication to one of our closest allies,” Ross’ office said Thursday.

The bill requires divestment from, and prohibits state agencies from contracting with, companies that boycott Israel. It also amends existing Sudan and Iran Divestment statutes.

“Today is a significant day for North Carolina,” Ross said. “It’s important for our state to stand with Israel against boycotts that threaten Israel’s sovereignty. This bill protects North Carolina’s economy from efforts to restrict trade and affirms our state’s economic commitments to Israel.”