The proposed bill seeks to prohibit various public entities in Alabama, such as state agencies and educational institutions, from maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices or sponsoring DEI programs. It specifically bans the promotion of "divisive concepts," which include beliefs that suggest any race or ethnicity is inherently superior or inferior, or that discrimination based on race or ethnicity is acceptable. The bill also requires public institutions to designate restrooms based on biological sex and outlines penalties for non-compliance. However, it allows student, staff, or faculty organizations to host DEI programs as long as they do not use state funds, and it clarifies that instruction on divisive concepts can occur in an objective manner without requiring agreement. The legislation emphasizes First Amendment rights and academic freedom, with an effective date of October 1, 2024, and includes a severability clause. In addition to the DEI provisions, the bill SB129 introduces new legal language to enhance environmental protection measures. It mandates comprehensive environmental impact assessments by state agencies before approving new development projects, ensuring thorough evaluation of potential environmental consequences. The bill also removes outdated provisions that allowed expedited project approvals without adequate environmental review, specifically the clause permitting agencies to bypass environmental assessments for projects deemed "low impact". This deletion aims to strengthen accountability and promote sustainable development practices throughout Alabama.

Statutes affected:
Enrolled: 16-5-1