The bill restricts 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 DEI offices, hire employees or contractors for DEI duties, or require 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, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation, apart from adhering to state and federal antidiscrimination laws.

Additionally, the bill outlines that DEI includes promoting differential treatment or special benefits based on the aforementioned characteristics and encompasses various concepts such as unconscious bias, cultural appropriation, and systemic oppression. However, it clarifies that the prohibitions do not extend to trainings or activities consistent with de-escalation techniques and prevention of bias. The definition of a DEI office is provided, excluding the work of licensed attorneys and their support staff when ensuring compliance with federal and state laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 331.301, 364.3