Texas House Bill HB819

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to prohibiting the investment of retirement system funds in certain private business entities doing business in Iran.

Impact

The bill accomplishes this through the establishment of Chapter 807 in the Government Code, detailing definitions related to business operations and investment restrictions. If enacted, state entities will need to regularly review their investment portfolios to ensure compliance with the new regulations and divest from scrutinized companies within specified timelines. Failure to comply could result in significant legal liabilities, as the bill includes provisions for indemnifying state governmental entities against legal claims arising from their compliance with the investment rules.

Summary

House Bill 819 aims to prevent state governmental entities from investing in certain private business entities that conduct active business operations in Iran. This bill is particularly focused on safeguarding state retirement system funds by prohibiting any investments that involve companies engaging in scrutinized business operations, which include providing supplies or services to the Iranian government or involved in military equipment sales to Iran. It creates a framework for state entities to assess their investment holdings and divest from those companies listed as 'scrutinized' by the Texas Comptroller.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB819 involve concerns regarding potential impacts on international trade and business relations. Critics of the bill argue that imposing such restrictions may hinder investment opportunities and limit the state's ability to increase revenue through diversified investments. Proponents argue that it is a necessary step to align state fiscal policy with national security interests and ethical investment practices. Furthermore, the framework allows for some flexibility, permitting the Comptroller to periodically assess and update the list of scrutinized companies based on evolving conditions, which has been a key point in discussions of its practical implications.