This bill aims to prohibit discrimination based on an individual's hair texture, style, and natural or protective hairstyles that are historically associated with race. It amends various sections of the Iowa Code to include definitions and protections against such discrimination in multiple contexts, including employment, education, and state assistance programs. Specifically, it introduces new subsections that define "race" in alignment with section 216.2 and outlines what constitutes natural or protective hairstyles, including braids, locs, twists, and afros.

Additionally, the bill ensures that no dress code policies in schools can prohibit students from wearing hairstyles commonly associated with their race. It reinforces existing anti-discrimination laws by explicitly including hair texture and style as protected characteristics, thereby expanding the scope of protections against discrimination in Iowa. The bill also clarifies that individuals cannot be denied benefits or subjected to discriminatory practices based on their natural or protective hairstyles, alongside other protected characteristics such as race, creed, and gender identity.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 8A.416, 15A.1, 19B.1, 216.2, 256.2, 256B.2, 256E.2, 256F.2, 261A.4, 279.58, 280.2, 341A.1, 400.17, 602.1401, 729.4