MS HB837

Prohibits the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and State Treasurer from acquiring securities in companies that boycott Israel, effective July 1, 2018.

Requires PERS and State Treasurer to identify companies boycotting Israel by August 1, 2018, create and maintain a "Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List," and provide companies with 90 days to cease boycott activities or face investment prohibition.

Bars companies on the scrutinized list from bidding on or entering state and local government contracts worth $1 million or more, with exceptions available if companies cease boycotts or public officials make findings that alternative vendors are unavailable.

Requires companies bidding on contracts of $1 million or more to certify they are not participating in boycotts of Israel; companies submitting false certifications face civil penalties of $2 million or twice the contract value, plus attorney fees.

Allows PERS and State Treasurer to invest in scrutinized companies only if asset values drop to 99.50 percent or less of what they would be without investment restrictions, requiring advance written justification to legislative leadership.