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Heated hearing on HB 618: sponsor seeks to bar certain DEI programs, opponents warn of wide collateral impact
Summary
Supporters say HB 618 limits divisive DEI trainings and contracts; state administration, procurement staff, disability advocates, libraries and legal counsel told the committee the bill’s definitions and enforcement scheme (via the attorney general) risk blocking services, complicating contracting with major vendors, and creating duplication with the Human Rights Bureau.
Representative Nikola opened House Bill 618 proposing a state ban on specified diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs as defined in the bill, and a prohibition on state contracts with vendors that run such programs. The sponsor explained the amendment he introduced relies on language drafted by the attorney general’s office and seeks to prohibit trainings and policies that, in the bill’s language, promote “divisive concepts” or use race or other protected characteristics as a basis for adverse treatment.
Supporters including the Coalition for Safety and Justice and advocacy groups called the trainings ineffective or divisive; Don Cape said military experience showed certain trainings harmed cohesion. Liesel…
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