This bill seeks to restrict counties and cities in Iowa from establishing or maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Specifically, it prohibits any county or city board or office from adopting ordinances, motions, resolutions, amendments, or policies that create or maintain a DEI office, hire or assign employees for DEI duties, or compel individuals to provide DEI statements or give preferential treatment based on such statements. The bill defines DEI efforts as any attempts to influence the composition of government bodies or employee positions based on race, sex, color, or ethnicity, as well as promoting differential treatment or policies related to these characteristics.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that a DEI office encompasses any governmental unit responsible for developing or promoting DEI-related policies or activities, but does not include legal compliance work performed by licensed attorneys. The legislation emphasizes adherence to state and federal antidiscrimination laws, ensuring that hiring practices remain colorblind and sex-neutral. Overall, the bill aims to limit the influence of DEI initiatives within local government structures in Iowa.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 331.301, 364.3