Prohibit funding of DEI in public K-12 schools

2025 Regular Session

Prohibits use of public funds for DEI initiatives in public K-12 schools, affecting districts, vendors, and DEI programs.

(LC) Draft Died in Process

#education-k-12 #statefinance

LC 863 — Prohibit funding of DEI in public K-12 schools

Overview
- Bill Number: LC 863
- Title: Prohibit funding of DEI in public K-12 schools
- Status: LC Draft Died in Process
- Introduced: November 6, 2024
- Classification: bill
- Subject: Schools and Education, State Finance (Appropriations; Taxation Subjects)
- Legislative Actions:
- 2024-11-06: Drafter Assigned
- 2025-05-23: Draft Died in Process

Purpose and intent
- The bill, by its title, aims to prohibit the use of funding for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public K-12 schools. The available information does not include the exact statutory language or definitions, but the intent appears to be restricting or removing state or public funds from supporting DEI-related programs, trainings, curricula, or activities in K-12 education.

Scope and provisions (availability of text)
- The actual text of LC 863 is not provided in the summary. As introduced, the bill would typically define DEI in a way the legislature could enforce and specify what funding is affected (e.g., state funds, appropriations to school districts, grant programs, and contracts with outside vendors).
- Without the full text, specifics such as definitions, exemptions, enforcement mechanisms, penalties, and transition timelines cannot be confirmed here.

Potential impacts and affected parties
- Public K-12 schools and school districts: If enacted, could see changes to how funds are allocated to DEI-related programs, training, curricula, or consultants.
- State and local government agencies: Could be responsible for ensuring compliance with any prohibition on DEI funding and for auditing appropriations.
- Vendors and consultants: Possible impact on contracts or service agreements tied to DEI initiatives.
- Students and educators: Indirect effects through changes in professional development, classroom resources, or program availability related to DEI.
- Taxpayer and public finance implications: The measure would interact with state-finance and appropriations processes by limiting or directing how public funds may be used in the K-12 sector.

Procedural history and timeline
- Introduced: November 6, 2024 (Drafter Assigned)
- Status update: Draft Died in Process as of May 23, 2025
- Next steps: As a dead-draft, the bill would not advance unless reintroduced or amended and refiled in a future session. There is no current indication of a coalition or committee pathway for revival.

Notes
- “LC” indicates a Legislative Counsel draft; the status “Died in Process” means the draft did not progress toward a full bill passage.
- For a precise understanding of what would be prohibited, definitions, exceptions, and enforcement, the full bill text would be required.