A measure recently introduced in the Idaho legislature seeks to keep companies that discriminate against firearms-related businesses or groups from receiving contracts from the state government.
Senate Bill 1291 was introduced in the state Senate earlier this week. The measure would prohibit public contracts with individuals or companies that are boycotting those that engage in or support the manufacture, distribution, sale or use of firearms, and would also require companies that contract with the state to disclose if their policies discriminate against the firearms industry.
Interestingly, the measure also includes the same protections for a few other industries that often find themselves in the crosshairs of so-called “progressives.”
Per the text of the measure, no company can be granted a state contract if it is engaged in, or plans to engage in, a boycott of any individual or company because the individual or company: “(a) Engages in or supports the exploration, production, utilization, transportation, sale or manufacture of fossil fuel-based energy, timber, minerals, hydroelectric power, nuclear energy or agriculture; or (b) Engages in or supports the manufacture, distribution, sale or use of firearms, as defined in section 18-3302(2)(d), Idaho Code.”
As the legislation’s language explains, “boycott” means, “without a reasonable business purpose, refusing to deal with an individual or organization, terminating business with an individual or organization, or taking another action that is intended to penalize, inflict economic harm on, or limit commercial relations with an individual or organization because the individual or organization: (i) Engages in a particular business sector; (ii) Engages in a particular business sector and does not commit or pledge to meet standards beyond applicable federal and state law; or (iii) Does business with an individual or organization that engages in a particular business sector.”
If the legislation passes, it will be in effect for contracts executed on or after July 1, 2024. As for contracts issued before that date, the legislation states: “Any contract executed prior to July 1, 2024, that violates the provisions of this section shall not be renewed unless the contracting authority obtains the written certification described in subsection (1) of this section.”
The measure will first be considered in the Senate State Affairs Committee.