a. In imposing sanctions on Iran, the United States Congress and the President of the United States have determined that the illicit nuclear activities of Iran, combined with its development of unconventional weapons and ballistic missiles, and its support of international terrorism, represent a serious threat to the security of the United States and its allies around the world.

b. The International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly called attention to Iran’s unlawful nuclear activities, and as a result, the United Nations Security Council has adopted four rounds of sanctions designed to compel the Government of Iran to cease those activities and comply with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly known as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

c. The human rights situation in Iran has steadily deteriorated since the fraudulent elections of 2009, as evidenced by the brutal repression, torture, murder and arbitrary detention of peaceful protestors, dissidents and minorities.

d. On July 1, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010, which expressly authorizes state and local governments to prevent investment in, including prohibiting entry into or renewing contracts with, companies operating in Iran and includes provisions that preclude companies that do business in Iran from contracting with the U.S. Government.

e. It is the intention of the Legislature to implement this authority granted under Section 202 of the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010.

f. There are moral and reputational reasons for state and local governments to not engage in business with foreign companies that have business activities benefiting foreign states, such as Iran, that pursue illegal nuclear programs, support acts of terrorism and commit violations of human rights.

g. Short-term economic profits cannot be a justification to circumvent even in spirit those international sanctions designed to thwart Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

h. The concerns of this Legislature regarding Iran are strictly the result of the actions of the government of Iran and should not be construed as enmity toward the Iranian people.

L.2012, c.25, s.1.