Bill Summary for H 171 (2025-2026)
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View NCGA Bill Details(link is external) | 2025-2026 Session |
AN ACT ELIMINATING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI) INITIATIVES IN STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND CLARIFYING THE PENALTY PROVISIONS OF THE STATE BUDGET ACT AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT BUDGET AND FISCAL CONTROL ACT.Intro. by B. Jones, N. Jackson, Lowery, Eddins.
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Bill summary
Senate amendments to the 4th edition make the following changes.
Amendment #1.
Alters the scope of the private cause of action for damages under GS 126-14.7 (equality and merit in State government workplaces) so that former employees also have standing under the statute. Narrows claims for declaratory and injunctive relief so that it can only be brought by a person who has been denied employment due to a violation of GS 126-14.7 (was, any person without any triggering event) and only allows for the recovery of reasonable attorneys' fees and costs if the person prevails. Removes provisions allowing for venue where the employee resides. Creates an administrative remedy that must be invoked by the employee or former employee before they can bring suit. Makes organizational changes. Makes Section 1.1 of the act effective July 1, 2026, and applicable to acts or omissions occurring on or after that date. Directs all State agencies to develop forms, rules and procedures to comply with the administrative remedy added by the amendment.
Allows a private cause of action for damages under GS 143-162.8 (no public funds for DEI) for claims brought by employees and former employees of the State and units of local government resulting from a violation of the statute. Narrows claims for declaratory and injunctive relief so that it can only be brought by a person who has been denied employment due to a violation of GS 126-162.8 (was, any person without any triggering event). Limits the recovery of reasonable attorneys' fees and costs to when a person prevails. No longer allows for venue where the person resides. Creates an administrative remedy that must be invoked by the employee or former employee before they can bring suit. Makes new GS 143-162.8 effective July 1, 2026, and applicable to acts or omissions occurring on or after that date. Directs all State agencies and units of local government to develop forms, rules and procedures to comply with the administrative remedy added by the amendment.
Makes conforming change to the act’s effective date.
Amendment #3.
Makes conforming change to the heading of the act’s Part I.