Subdivision 1.Discrimination by vendor.

(a) A state agency may not enter into a contract with a vendor that engages in discrimination against Israel, or against persons or entities doing business in Israel, when making decisions related to the operation of the vendor’s business.

Terms Used In Minnesota Statutes 16C.053

  • Amendment: A proposal to alter the text of a pending bill or other measure by striking out some of it, by inserting new language, or both. Before an amendment becomes part of the measure, thelegislature must agree to it.
  • Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
  • state: extends to and includes the District of Columbia and the several territories. See Minnesota Statutes 645.44

(b) For purposes of this section, “discrimination” includes but is not limited to engaging in refusals to deal, terminating business activities, or other actions that are intended to limit commercial relations with Israel, or persons or entities doing business in Israel, when such actions are taken in a manner that in any way discriminates on the basis of nationality or national origin and is not based on a valid business reason.

Subd. 2.Exemption; commissioner may waive.

(a) This section does not apply to contracts with a value of less than $50,000.

(b) The commissioner may waive application of this section on a contract if the commissioner determines that compliance is not practicable or in the best interests of the state.

Subd. 3.Relation to existing law.

This section does not prohibit a vendor from engaging in free speech or expression protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution or the Constitution of the state of Minnesota.