SB520

Senate Bill 520 prohibits local government entities in Arkansas, including counties and cities, from establishing or maintaining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices, departments, or initiatives. The bill forbids local government officials and employees from compelling others to adopt or affirm beliefs regarding collective guilt or differential treatment based on race, ethnicity, sex, color, or national origin. It restricts local governments from using such factors in decision-making processes, except when required by federal or state law, or in specific instances like gender-segregated facilities. Furthermore, the bill prohibits local governments from requiring job applicants or contractors to submit diversity statements. Citizens are granted the right to notify local governments of alleged violations and may bring civil actions in circuit court if the violation is not resolved within thirty days. Finally, the bill includes provisions to ensure compliance with existing state and federal civil rights laws and funding requirements.