Bill > HF856

This bill prohibits public entities in Iowa from establishing, supporting, or staffing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices or hiring DEI officers, with some specific exceptions. The bill defines DEI broadly, including any efforts to influence employee or student body composition based on race, sex, color, or ethnicity, or to promote preferential treatment or special benefits based on protected characteristics. Public entities are banned from expending any funds to support DEI offices or officers, though exceptions exist for academic course instruction, research, student organization activities, guest speakers, health services, and federally mandated diversity efforts. The bill allows any person to notify the attorney general about potential violations, and gives students, alumni, or employees the right to bring civil actions for injunctive relief against state entities found to be in violation. The legislation specifically expands these restrictions to community colleges and modifies reporting requirements for institutions of higher learning governed by the state board of regents. Any unexpended funds that would have been used for DEI purposes will be reallocated to the Iowa workforce grant and incentive program fund. The bill is set to take effect upon enactment, with a full implementation date of July 1, 2025.

Education

Education (House)

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF856