Indiana passes bill cutting off firms that deal with Iran

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Lawmakers in Indiana passed legislation that would bar companies doing business in Iran from receiving state contracts.

The Indiana House of Representatives unanimously passed the legislation on Feb. 21 by a vote of 95-0 after the Senate previously approved the measure by a vote of 49-1. The measure now goes to Gov. Mitch Daniels (R-Ind.) for his signature.

Indiana becomes the fourth state in the country to pass legislation barring companies doing business with Iran from receiving state contracts. New York, Florida and California have passed similar legislation.

Mark Wallace, the president of United Against Nuclear Iran, called the passage a "powerful message to companies that continue to irresponsibly do business in Iran. Once Governor Daniels signs this bill into law, these companies will have to make a choice: pull out of Iran, or lose their contracts with the State of Indiana.”

United Against Nuclear Iran has taken an active role in pushing for debarment laws to be implemented throughout the United States. The State of Maryland introduced similar legislation earlier this month.

In addition, a number of states have passed legislation divesting state-run pensions from companies doing business in Iran. According to United Against Nuclear Iran, 23 states have enacted divestment legislation or policies.