Bill > HB1788

This bill prohibits state agencies, political subdivisions, and public schools from entering into or maintaining contracts with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) provisions, defining DEI as any program or policy that classifies individuals based on characteristics for achieving demographic outcomes rather than treating everyone equally. The bill specifies that DEI does not include student organization activities, health services, sex-based qualifications, or good-faith Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. Under the proposed legislation, any contract containing DEI-related provisions will be automatically void and subject to full rescission by a court of competent jurisdiction. Additionally, the bill empowers taxpayers to bring legal action against public entities, state agencies, or school districts that engage with such contracts, with potential remedies including declaratory relief, injunctive relief, and attorney's fees. For educational institutions, the bill further stipulates that violations of DEI prohibitions can be considered violations of the educator code of conduct, potentially resulting in disciplinary sanctions. The legislation also requires the Department of Education to investigate credible reports of DEI provision violations, with taxpayers able to take legal action if the department fails to conduct good-faith investigations. The bill will take effect 30 days after its passage.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1603&inflect=2