Bill > HB742

This bill prohibits state departments in Missouri from spending money on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that the legislation deems problematic. Specifically, the bill prevents state departments from funding programs, staffing, or other initiatives that promote what the bill characterizes as preferential treatment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, or ancestry. The bill bars initiatives that suggest disparities between groups are solely due to oppression, promote collective guilt, engage in "divisive identity activism," or limit freedom of thought or speech. However, the bill does not prevent departments from following existing employment and antidiscrimination laws or complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Additionally, the legislation prohibits state departments from requiring or incentivizing private sector employers to implement such DEI programs as a condition of receiving state contracts. By introducing this new section to Missouri state law, the bill aims to restrict what it views as divisive or preferential approaches to diversity and inclusion in state government operations and contracting.

Government Affairs

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB742&year=2025&code=R