Signed by Governor Phil Bryant

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that would prohibit the state from contracting with entities or individuals that engage in any investment activities with Iran, effective July, 1, 2015.

Highlights:

• Prohibits the state of Mississippi from contracting with entities or individuals that engage in investment activities with Iran (Sec.2).
• Specifies that investment activities prohibited by this bill include providing goods or services valued at $20 million or more to the energy sector of Iran (Sec. 4). 
• Requires the state to make a list of entities and individuals engaged in investment activities with Iran and inform the individual of his or her ineligibility to contract with the state (Sec. 5).
• Establishes exemptions for investing in an entity or individual who contracts with Iran if (Sec. 8):
• The investment activities in Iran were made before July 1, 2015;
• The investment activities in Iran have not been expanded or renewed after July 1, 2015; and
• The individual has adopted and publicized a formal plan to cease investment activities with Iran.
• Specifies that the expiration of this act applies only if it interferes with the United States foreign policy or if the United States revokes it current sanctions on Iran (Sec. 11).
• Senator Wiggins and Senator Jackson S. are listed on our vote breakdown as not voting; both entered into a pairing to abstain but intended to vote yea and nay, respectively.

Full Bill Text