Stop the State of Illinois from punishing protected speech and pass HB2723!

The State of Illinois should not be punishing protected speech. I am urging you to support HB2723. This bill removes the requirement that the Illinois Investment Policy Board designate companies that “boycott Israel” as restricted entities and require public retirement systems to divest from them. Political boycotts are a recognized form of protected expression under the First Amendment. When the State conditions public investment policy on suppressing lawful political advocacy, it raises serious constitutional concerns and undermines core civil liberties. Illinois should not be in the business of punishing protected speech. HB2723 does not take a political position. It does not mandate divestment. It does not alter foreign policy. It simply restores constitutional neutrality by removing a state-imposed penalty tied to political expression. As you know, after thousands of petitions were signed in support of this bill the meeting was cancelled, and it needs to move forward. When civic participation is met with delay instead of deliberation, public trust erodes. This legislation deserves debate and a vote. This issue is urgent because: Free Speech Is Not Conditional. The government cannot selectively penalize peaceful political expression without eroding the First Amendment for everyone. Human Rights Advocacy Must Remain Protected. People and organizations must be able to advocate for human rights—through speech, protest, or boycott—without fear of state retaliation. Public Funds Should Not Enforce Ideology. Pension systems exist to safeguard the retirement security of public employees, not to serve as instruments of political punishment. Illinois Should Lead With Constitutional Integrity. Removing this provision protects the State from legal exposure and affirms our commitment to fundamental rights. This is not a marginal procedural correction. It is a clear opportunity for Illinois to defend civil liberties and reaffirm that constitutional protections apply even when speech is controversial. I urge you to: - Publicly support HB2723. - Ensure it receives a hearing and committee advancement. - Vote in favor of its passage. Please stand on the side of constitutional rights and move this bill forward without further delay.