DES MOINES, Iowa – Gov. Kim Reynolds today signed two bills into law relating to anti-BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanctions) of Israel and antisemitism during a formal meeting with the Israeli Consul General to the Midwest Yinam Cohen.
HF 2373 is an act relating to restrictions regarding companies boycotting Israel.
The bill amended Iowa Code Chapter 12J, that provides restrictions regarding companies boycotting Israel to also include “a wholly owned subsidiary, majority-owned subsidiary, parent company, or affiliate of such business or business entity.”
HF 2373 passed in the Iowa House on February 23 by a 61-35 vote and in the Iowa Senate on February 28 by a 40 to 5 vote.
HF 2220 is an act relating to antisemitism in the state of Iowa. The legislation codifies the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism in Iowa law.
The bill passed in the Iowa House, also on February 23, by a 66-31 vote and passed unanimously, 48-0, in the Iowa Senate on March 2.
“Today we express Iowa’s enduring support for the State of Israel and our categorical rejection of anti-Semitism,” said Gov. Reynolds. “Together, these bills send an important message: Iowa continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with the State of Israel, one of America’s most important and reliable allies, while fighting all forms of religious and ethnic discrimination.”
“We strongly believe that both Iowa and Israel can continue to work together to create lasting partnerships that are beneficial to both states and local economies. Gov. Reynolds has been steadfast in her support for Israel and she has witnessed firsthand Israel’s achievements in innovation, water technology, medicine, and more” added Cohen.
Both bills will go into effect on July 1, 2022.
