PRINTER'S NO. 1608
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No.
1018
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY SANTARSIERO, TOEPEL, JAMES, GREINER, SCHWEYER,
MILLARD, READSHAW, O'BRIEN, METZGAR, BARRAR, KAUFFMAN,
SIMMONS, GROVE, RAPP, GABLER, McNEILL, COHEN, ZIMMERMAN,
FRANKEL, DeLUCA, BRIGGS, MURT, BRADFORD, SABATINA, O'NEILL,
EVERETT, PETRI, RADER, CARROLL, KORTZ, REESE, SAYLOR,
HEFFLEY, MILNE, M. DALEY, BARBIN, WHEELAND, DUSH AND
GALLOWAY, MAY 18, 2015
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, MAY 18, 2015
AN ACT
Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An
act relating to the public school system, including certain
provisions applicable as well to private and parochial
schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the
laws relating thereto," prohibiting funding to an institution
of higher education that engages in a boycott against or
divestment from Israel.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known
as the Public School Code of 1949, is amended by adding an
article to read:
ARTICLE XX-H
BAR TO BOYCOTT AGAINST OR
DIVESTMENT FROM ISRAEL
Section 2001-H. Findings.
The General Assembly finds as follows:
(1) Israel is America's dependable, democratic ally in
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the Middle East, an area of paramount strategic importance to
the United States.
(2) It is in the interest of the United States and the
Commonwealth to stand with Israel by promoting trade and
commercial activities with Israel and its citizens and by
discouraging policies that contravene that interest.
Section 2002-H. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this article
shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Boycott against or divestment from Israel." Actions that
are politically motivated and are intended to penalize Israel or
otherwise limit commercial activities.
"Commercial activities." Owning or controlling property or
assets located in, having employees or facilities located in,
providing goods or services to, having distribution agreements
with, issuing credit or loans to, purchasing bonds or commercial
paper issued by, investing in or having equity ties to or with
Israel or any company or person domiciled in Israel.
"Company." Any sole proprietorship, organization,
association, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited
partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability
company or other entity or business association.
"Institution of higher education." A postsecondary
educational institution in this Commonwealth.
"Israel." The State of Israel.
Section 2003-H. Prohibition.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Commonwealth
may not provide funding of any kind to an institution of higher
education that engages in a boycott against or divestment from
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Israel .
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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