The bill amends various sections of the Iowa Code to eliminate affirmative action requirements for state and educational entities. Key provisions that are struck include the state policy to apply affirmative action measures to correct deficiencies in the employment system, the requirement for the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and the state board of regents to prepare affirmative action plans and submit annual reports, and the obligation for school districts, area education agencies, and community colleges to report on their accomplishments related to equal opportunity and affirmative action. Additionally, the bill repeals sections that allowed DAS to impose sanctions for non-compliance with affirmative action policies.

The bill also modifies the language surrounding equal opportunity in employment, removing references to affirmative action while maintaining the commitment to equal access regardless of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability. The responsibilities of the DAS and the state board of regents are adjusted to focus solely on equal opportunity efforts without the affirmative action component. Overall, the bill significantly reduces the state's affirmative action framework, shifting the focus to equal employment opportunity without the associated affirmative action measures.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 8A.111, 8A.402, 19B.1, 19B.2, 19B.3, 19B.4, 19B.6, 19B.7, 15.108, 256.183, 602.1204