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Committee advances bill to bar identity‑based DEI offices after contentious debate
Summary
House Bill 9‑23, which would prohibit state, local and higher‑education offices that promote identity‑based preferences in the name of diversity, equity and inclusion, passed the Finance, Ways and Means Committee on a 20‑7 vote after extended debate over the purpose and effects of DEI programs.
The Finance, Ways and Means Committee voted 20‑7 Thursday to advance House Bill 9‑23, a measure to prohibit state, local and higher‑education offices, divisions or departments that "promote or require discriminatory preferences in the name of diversity, equity, or inclusion." The bill moves to calendar and rules.
Sponsor Representative Mayberry framed the legislation as a move to ensure that public policy focuses on “fairness and merit, not identity‑based preferences.” “This bill ensures diversity is achieved through fair and equal treatment,” Mayberry said on the floor.
Opponents warned the bill would dismantle existing state programs that help historically excluded businesses and communities access state contracting and other opportunities. Representative Love told the committee the bill would hinder the Governor’s Office of Diversity Business Enterprise (GoDBE), a program that certifies small, minority‑owned, women‑owned and veteran‑owned businesses for state contracting. “This bill will undo almost now two decades of what I believe is good work to expand opportunities,” Love said, arguing GoDBE certifies businesses that have historically faced exclusion from government contracting.
The debate included extended exchanges about the definition and goals of equity and the measurable effects of DEI initiatives. Representative Mayberry said equity components of DEI amount to “choosing who’s gonna be winning and losing” and argued the state should prioritize equal treatment and merit. Other members described DEI programs as responses to structural barriers that historically prevented some groups from participating equally in economic opportunities.
After debate, members voted to advance the bill to calendar and rules; the clerk recorded 20 ayes and 7 nays.
The bill’s passage in committee does not enact state policy; it simply advances the measure for consideration on the House floor, where additional amendments and debate are possible.
Sources: Floor discussion in Finance, Ways and Means Committee; roll call reported by the clerk.
