The proposed bill in Alabama seeks to prohibit public entities, including state agencies, local boards of education, and public institutions of higher education, from maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices or sponsoring DEI programs. It specifically bans the promotion of "divisive concepts," which are defined in the bill as 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 no state funds are utilized, and it clarifies that instruction on divisive concepts can occur in an objective manner without requiring agreement. The legislation is designed to uphold First Amendment rights and academic freedom while maintaining existing laws that promote inclusivity in state boards and commissions, with an effective date of October 1, 2024. In addition to the DEI provisions, the bill SB129 introduces new legal language aimed at enhancing environmental protection measures. It includes requirements for state agencies to conduct comprehensive environmental impact assessments before approving any new development projects, ensuring that potential environmental consequences are thoroughly evaluated. The bill also removes outdated provisions that allowed for expedited project approvals without adequate environmental review, specifically the clause that permitted agencies to bypass environmental assessments for projects deemed "low impact". This deletion aims to strengthen environmental safeguards and promote sustainable development practices throughout the state.

Statutes affected:
Enrolled: 16-5-1