Bill > H2135

This bill aims to promote responsible investment and prevent genocide by prohibiting the state from entering into trade agreements with any nation where genocide is occurring, as officially declared by the state legislature, the U.S. government, or the United Nations. It also mandates that the executive director of the international trade office annually assess trading partners with a history of genocide to see if they have taken steps to acknowledge and address past atrocities, designating those that have as priority trading partners. Furthermore, the bill prevents the investment of state funds in banks or financial institutions that have outstanding loans to companies involved in the manufacture, distribution, or sale of firearms, munitions, tear gas, armored vehicles, or military aircraft for use in countries where genocide is occurring, and similarly restricts investments in the stocks or securities of such companies. The PRIM board, which oversees state investments, will be required to give special consideration to investments in countries that have affirmatively acted to address past genocides.