CHEYENNE – State Representative Nathan Winters (R-Thermopolis, HD28) introduced a bill Monday to prohibit the state from entering into contracts with companies who have, or intend to boycott the State of Israel, including the investment of state funds and retirement funds.

House Bill 279 specifically states, “on and after January 1, 2018, no agency shall enter into a contract with a company for goods or services if the contract price is greater than ($50,000) unless the contract contains a written verification from the company that it: Does not boycott Israel; and Will not boycott Israel during the term of the contract.”

The bill is co-sponsored by Senator Wyatt Agar (R-Thermopoolis, SD 20).

Monday was the last day for bills to be submitted for introduction in the House. Thursday is the last day for bills to be reported out of the committee in the house of origin. HB279 has not been assigned a committee at this time.

Grand Teton Sale

The state senate has adopted a bill to sell a portion of Grand Teton National Park to the Department of the Interior, for no less than $46 million.

The 640 acres, known as the Kelly parcel located in Teton County, would be transferred to the Department of Interior after a 10 percent down payment, with all proceeds going to the state’s common school account, as defined by the bill.

An amendment was added in committee to stipulate that if the Department of the Interior has not purchased the parcel prior to January 2021, the state will accept bids for the lease or purchase of the parcel.

Senate File 119 was approved on third reading Monday on a vote of 25-4-1. Agar was among the four opposed. The bill now heads to the House.