The bill prohibits counties and cities in Iowa from adopting any ordinances, motions, resolutions, amendments, or policies that establish or maintain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, hire or assign employees for DEI duties, or compel individuals to provide DEI statements or give preferential treatment based on such statements. It defines DEI efforts as any attempts to influence the composition of government bodies or employee positions based on race, sex, color, or ethnicity, apart from ensuring colorblind and sex-neutral hiring practices. Additionally, it includes efforts to promote differential treatment or special benefits based on race, color, or ethnicity, as well as the promotion of certain contested opinions related to social justice and identity.

The bill further clarifies that a DEI office encompasses any government unit responsible for creating or implementing DEI-related policies or programs, but does not include legal compliance work performed by licensed attorneys and their support staff under federal or state laws. This legislation aims to restrict the implementation of DEI initiatives at the local government level, emphasizing a colorblind approach to hiring and policy-making.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 331.301, 364.3