April 27, 2017 — Austin, Texas
AJC applauded final adoption of the Texas anti-BDS bill today in the state legislature. The State Senate passed the reconciliation measure following last week’s unanimous House adoption of the bill.
Governor Abbott is expected to sign the bill into law on May 2, Israeli Independence Day.
“The Texas-Israel relationship is essential. In addition to our shared democratic values, Israel is the state’s fourth largest trading partner,” said AJC Dallas Director Joel Schwitzer. “We are grateful for the leadership of Representative Phil King and Senator Brandon Creighton in championing this important legislation.”
AJC met with the governor’s senior staff in February 2016, to discuss his recent trip to Israel and initiatives to combat BDS. In September, Abbott told AJC and other Jewish leaders that he wanted anti-BDS legislation “with teeth.”
“With this bill, Texas is expressing strong support for Israel and its supporters in our state, and delivering firm opposition to BDS proponents,” said Randy Czarlinsky, Director of AJC Houston.
Governor Abbott was the first to sign on to AJCs Governors United Against BDS initiative. Co-chaired by Abbott, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy, the statement has been signed by a total of 45 governors and the mayor of Washington, D.C.
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