The bill amends various sections of the Iowa Code to eliminate affirmative action measures in state employment and contracting policies. Key deletions include the removal of affirmative action requirements and the responsibilities of state agencies and the Board of Regents to implement such standards. The legislation emphasizes equal opportunity in state employment, focusing on equal access based on race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability, without the application of affirmative action measures. Additionally, it modifies reporting requirements, mandating the Department of Administrative Services to oversee compliance with equal opportunity policies while removing references to affirmative action goals and timetables.

Furthermore, the bill updates the Iowa Academic Grants for Economic Success program by removing references to "minority" students, promoting a more inclusive approach to educational funding. It establishes a new definition for financial need and requires students to accept all available federal and state grants before qualifying for state grants. The legislation also includes provisions for annual reporting to the general assembly on the program's progress and implementation, while repealing outdated sections of the Code and directing necessary adjustments to internal references. Overall, the bill aims to enhance educational opportunities for all students in Iowa while streamlining the administration of related programs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 8A.111, 8A.402, 19B.1, 19B.2, 19B.3, 19B.4, 19B.6, 19B.11, 80B.11, 135.63, 147.3, 148.3, 256.36, 256.177, 256.183, 256.213, 256.214, 256.215, 256.216, 262.9, 542B.13, 543B.15, 544A.25, 602.1204
Reprinted: 8A.111, 8A.402, 19B.1, 19B.2, 19B.3, 19B.4, 19B.6, 19B.7, 19B.8, 19B.11, 80B.11, 80B.11G, 135.63, 148.3, 256.36, 256.177, 256.183, 256.213, 256.214, 256.215, 256.216, 262.9, 602.1209