This bill amends the Code of Iowa to prohibit counties and cities from establishing or maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, hiring personnel for DEI roles, or requiring individuals to provide DEI statements. Specifically, it restricts any county or city board or office from adopting policies that would promote differential treatment or special benefits based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation, except as mandated by federal or state law. The bill defines DEI efforts broadly, including any attempts to influence the composition of government bodies or employee positions based on the aforementioned characteristics, as well as promoting concepts such as unconscious bias and social justice.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the term "diversity, equity, and inclusion office" refers to any governmental unit responsible for DEI-related activities, but excludes legal compliance work performed by licensed attorneys and their support staff. The legislation aims to ensure that hiring practices remain colorblind and sex-neutral, aligning with existing antidiscrimination laws. Overall, the bill seeks to limit the scope of DEI initiatives within local government entities in Iowa.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 331.301, 364.3