2016 House Bill 5822 / Public Act 527

Ban state contracts with entities boycotting Israel or other trade partner

Introduced in the House

Sept. 7, 2016

Introduced by Rep. Robert Wittenberg (D-27)

To prohibit the state from contracting for products or services from a person, company, agency or other entity that "blacklists" or boycotts on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, or national origin, a nation or jurisdiction with which this nation and state engage in trade (such as Israel).

Referred to the Committee on Government Operations

Dec. 1, 2016

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

Dec. 7, 2016

Substitute offered by Rep. Robert Wittenberg (D-27)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that avoids potential first amendment free speech issues.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Dec. 8, 2016

Passed in the House 97 to 10 (details)

To prohibit the state from contracting for products or services from a person, company, agency or other entity that boycotts a "strategic partner" (like Israel), unless it is done in a non-discriminatory manner and based on "bona fide business or economic reasons".

Received in the Senate

Dec. 13, 2016

Referred to the Committee of the Whole

Dec. 14, 2016

Passed in the Senate 34 to 3 (details)

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Dec. 31, 2016