Arizona gives small firms pass on anti-BDS boycott law

In wake of federal court free speech ruling, state eases curbs and will do business with small companies that boycott Israel

By Marcy Oster 18 April 2019, 12:32 am

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Demonstrators protesting against Israel in New York City, June 2016. (Erik McGregor/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)

JTA — Arizona has eased its rules to a ban on the state doing business with companies that boycott Israel in an attempt to avoid potential lawsuits.

The amendment would exempt individuals and businesses valued at less than $100,000 or employing fewer than 10 full-time employees from the ban.

In September, a federal district court ruled that the law violates the First Amendment right to boycott.

Gov. Doug Ducey signed the amendment on Tuesday.

A similar amendment is set to be applied to a Texas law banning state business with companies that boycott Israel.

The Arizona law, enacted in March 2016, requires that any company that contracts with state or local government in Arizona submit a written certification that it is not currently boycotting Israel and will not do so.

Kansas last year made similar amendments to its law following a lawsuit brought by a contractor to the state’s education department. The Kansas law no longer applies to individuals or sole proprietors.

At least 26 states in recent years have passed laws taking action against businesses that choose to boycott Israel.