AUGUSTA (AP) – The Maine House of Representatives is saying no to a bill calling for a divestiture of pension funds in companies doing business in Iran.

The House action Monday kills the proposal for this year’s session. In doing so, the House also rejected a committee recommendation and vote in the Senate in favor of the bill.

It would have directed the Maine Public Employees Retirement System to divest pension and annuity funds from companies that do business with Iran.

Opponents said the state shouldn’t be meddling in international politics.

But supporters said the state has taken similar actions against companies doing business in South Africa, Northern Ireland and the Darfur region of Sudan.

AP-ES-04-07-08 1701EDT