Bill > HB1998

This bill prohibits public educational institutions in Missouri, both K-12 schools and higher education institutions, from using state funding for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs or initiatives. The bill defines DEI broadly as any educational program, course, initiative, or curriculum designed to promote principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, including training, workshops, curriculum materials, and student groups. If an educational institution is found to have used state funding for DEI activities, it will be required to return the amount of funding used and will lose all state funding for the current fiscal year. The state departments of elementary and secondary education, and higher education and workforce development, are tasked with monitoring compliance, establishing procedures to ensure institutions follow the law, and creating an annual report detailing violations. The bill allows any resident, taxpayer, or employee of an educational institution to file a complaint if they believe a DEI-related funding violation has occurred, and the state will withhold future funding until the violation is rectified to the department's satisfaction.

Government Affairs

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1998&year=2026&code=R