The Texas House of Representatives passed a bill that would require state and local governments to stop investing in firms that plan to divest in firearm or ammunition companies.
The House voted 86-60 in favor of the bill May 13 after the Senate had approved the bill 18-12 on April 15.
The bill, SB 19, would ensure "that any company in Texas with a policy that attempts to restrict gun or ammunition sales will not be allowed to benefit from tax dollars through state contracts," said the bill's statement of intent.
Although no specific government agencies are cited in the bill, this law would pertain to state and local pension plans.
The bill would prevent any company with at least 10 employees from benefiting from any state or other government contracts valued at least $100,000 unless the company verifies in writing that it has no policy "that discriminates against members of the lawful firearm or ammunition industries," the statement reads.
The next step is for the bill to be sent to the governor's desk for his signature or veto, confirmed Katie Greer, a spokeswoman for Sen. Jane Nelson (R), one of the bill's co-sponsors. Nan Tolson, a spokeswoman for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, could not be immediately reached for comment.
The passage of SB 19 follows the Texas Legislature passing a similar bill on May 3 requiring state pension plans to stop investing in firms that plan to divest from fossil-fuel companies.
