Bills › 91st General Assembly
Concerning restrictions on certain activities relating to diversity, equity, inclusion, and critical race theory by state entities and public institutions of higher education
Sponsored by the House Higher Education Committee
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 13, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 13, 2026
- Done: House committeeFebruary 11, 2026
- Done: Passes the HouseMarch 12, 202662–27
- Done: Senate committeeMarch 19, 2026
- Stopped: Passes the SenateDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The General Assembly adjourned on October 2, 2026. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
This bill concerns restrictions on certain activities relating to diversity, equity, inclusion, and critical race theory by state entities and public institutions of higher education. The bill authorizes the attorney general to conduct an inquiry or investigation regarding a violation of current law prohibiting regents institutions, community colleges, and state entities, defined under current law to include local government entities, from engaging in certain practices regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Read the full explanation
The attorney general is authorized to issue subpoenas, seek enforcement in district court, and contract with special counsel. The bill requires reimbursement of the attorney general by the institution, community college, or state entity for the costs, expenses, and fees incurred by special counsel. The bill requires the state board of regents, by the semester beginning fall 2028, to conduct a review of all undergraduate general education requirements and core curricula at regents institutions. For the review, the board shall direct the institutions to review and identify any required courses or course requirements that include diversity, equity, inclusion, and critical race theory-related content. The board in its discretion shall direct an institution to eliminate such a course or course requirement. The bill requires the board to establish all policies required by the bill no later than December 31, 2026.
From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text
House subcommittee
Named January 20, 2026 (as HSB 542). On February 9, 2026 it recommended passage.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
15 written public comments to its subcommittee: February 9, 2026 (14), January 29, 2026 (1) · on the Legislature’s site
Iowa Code it changes
Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works
Lobbying
10 for · 19 against · 4 undecided · Who →
Family tree
Where this legislation came from and where it went: earlier tries, the versions it moved through this Assembly, and later bills built on it.
Study bill
Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title; check the text to be sure it’s the same idea.