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
Topics:State governmentHigher educationDiversity, equity & inclusion
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 2026 session adjourned on May 3, 2026, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary The attorney general can investigate state agencies and public colleges to see if they are breaking laws regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, and critical race theory. If an investigation happens, the state institution or local government must pay for the legal costs. Additionally, the state board of regents must review college course requirements and can remove any classes that focus on these specific topics.1
Read the official explanation
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. 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.
Why it matters. The attorney general can investigate state entities, local governments, and public colleges to ensure they are not engaging in certain diversity, equity, and inclusion or critical race theory practices. State board of regents institutions must review their undergraduate general education requirements and core curricula by fall 2028 to identify and potentially eliminate courses containing such content. Any institution or state entity investigated must reimburse the attorney general for the costs and fees of any special counsel hired for the inquiry.2
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
Lobbying
10 for · 19 against · 4 undecided · Who →
Family tree
Study bill