HF2123: DEI Penalties

Establishes mandatory consequences for state entities and school districts that violate existing prohibitions on DEI offices or officers and on certain concepts in educational curricula and trainings. If a violation is proven in court, the individual responsible and their knowing supervisor must be terminated, and professional licenses or certifications are subject to mandatory revocation. The bill also imposes significant civil penalties on state entities or school districts, scaled by budget size, and provides new avenues for enforcement through actions by the attorney general or affected individuals. Conforming changes to licensing and revocation procedures are included.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Creates a new requirement for mandatory termination of employment for individuals who violate DEI prohibitions in state entities or school districts, and for supervisors who were aware and failed to act.

• Mandates revocation of professional licenses, certificates, authorizations, or statements of recognition for individuals terminated due to violations.

• Imposes civil penalties on state entities or school districts found in violation: $50,000 if the budget is under $100 million, $100,000 if $100 million or more, to be deposited in the state general fund.

• Allows the attorney general or affected parties (students, alumni, employees) to bring actions to enforce compliance and seek injunctive relief against violations by school districts.

• Establishes specific venue options for bringing civil actions related to school district violations.

• Requires licensing boards, the board of educational examiners, and the Iowa Supreme Court to revoke licenses or certifications when employment is terminated for these violations.

• Adds an exception in existing law to reference new enforcement provisions for school districts.

• Creates new sections of law detailing prohibited training/curriculum concepts, enforcement actions, penalties, and license revocation procedures.