Banking on Freedom: Bill Blocks State Investments Linked to China
Legislation filed at the Arkansas Capitol last week would prevent some state funds from being invested in organizations associated with China.
The state legislature has worked repeatedly to protect Arkansans from the Chinese Communist Party and entities closely tied to it.
For example, in 2023 lawmakers passed Act 636 to prohibit a “foreign-party controlled business” from acquiring public or private land in Arkansas. The law helps prevent companies owned or controlled by the CCP from buying property in Arkansas — such as Arkansas’ farmland.
In July of 2020 FBI Director Christopher Wray gave a report on the threat China poses, saying, “If you are an American adult, it is more likely than not that China has stolen your personal data.”
In 2021 the U.S. Senate passed a measure intended to clamp down on Chinese propaganda on America’s college campuses.
And in 2022 U.S. Sen. Cotton sent a letter to state and county officials warning them, “I have good reason to believe that the Chinese Communist Party may seek to enlist state and local officials to influence my actions in Congress.”
From forced abortion and organ harvesting to “reeducation camps” and subverting free speech, China’s track record has been abysmal — and many Americans are concerned.
H.B. 1323 by Rep. Mindy McAlindon (R — Centerton) prohibits Arkansas’ public pension and retirement system from investing in entities closely connected with the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party.
The measure does not affect private investments.
The bill could help Arkansas avoid financial ties with companies affiliated with the Chinese government and China’s communist party. You Can Read H.B. 1323 Here.
Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.
