Bill to eliminate Northern Ireland investment restrictions advances

A bill that would eliminate restrictions on investments in Northern Ireland by the state of Nebraska advanced from general file Feb. 9.

LB303, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Beau McCoy, would repeal requirements that the Nebraska Investment Council:

• compile an annual list of corporations doing business in Northern Ireland in which the state investment officer has invested state funds;
• determine whether each corporation on the list has, during the preceding year, taken affirmative action to eliminate religious or ethnic discrimination in Northern Ireland; and
• invest in a way that encourages corporations that pursue a policy of affirmative action in Northern Ireland.

It has been several years since anyone requested the list, McCoy said, and LB303 would allow the Nebraska Investment Council to cancel a subscription used to compile it.

“This legislation would very simply save $8,500 a year,” he said.

The bill advanced to select file on a 31-0 vote.