Bill > LD1383

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for state divestment from entities associated with human rights violations, specifically targeting states, companies, or institutions involved in apartheid, ethnic cleansing, genocide, or war crimes. The legislation defines these terms precisely using international legal standards, such as those outlined in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The bill prohibits the state from investing public funds or entering into procurement contracts with any company, entity, person, or financial institution connected to a "perpetrator state" as determined by independent international bodies like the United Nations or International Criminal Court. The Office of the Treasurer of State must create a commission to monitor human rights reports and annually report its findings to the Governor and Legislature. The bill includes important exceptions for humanitarian aid and allows the Governor to issue waivers if strict compliance would cause significant harm to state residents or undermine national security interests. Within 12 months of the Act's effective date, the state must divest all public funds from identified perpetrator states, with the Attorney General responsible for enforcing these provisions. The legislation also ensures that any legal challenges to the Act will be addressed expeditiously by the courts, demonstrating a commitment to swift and decisive action against human rights violations.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1383&snum=132