The Texas House of Representatives unanimously passed a measure Thursday prohibiting state-run operations to invest in anti-Israel businesses, according to a report from Forward.
Its approval follows the passage of a similar bill that was overwhelmingly approved by the state Senate last month. Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to sign a bill that combines policies from both bills.
Pro-Israel groups are commending Texas politicians for their efforts to pass the measure.
“The relationship between the Jewish state and the Lone Star State is built upon shared values, including a rock-solid commitment to standing up for liberty — especially when it is threatened by radical Islamic extremism,” Pastor John Hagee, the founder of Christians United For Israel, said in a statement.
While conservative groups are celebrating its approval, liberals are questioning whether implementing prohibitions on boycotting settlements will have negative ramifications on the effort to fight the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement.
Under its provisions, the House will maintain a list of companies boycotting Israel, a move civil liberty groups feel will lead to discrimination.
Pending Abbott’s signature, Texas will become the 20th state to pass a policy restricting the government from working with BDS-compliant business.