House panel releases bill renaming state DEI office to 'Division of People and Culture'

Representative Morrison urged the House Administration Committee on HB 254, saying the bill would rename the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to the Division of People and Culture and signal a broader focus on employee experience and organizational culture. "This actually will be the most simple bill I introduced all year," Morrison said, adding the change was requested by the division.

Morrison told the committee the new designation would underscore attention to people-centered initiatives and position the division as a contributor to cultural development and organizational success. Charice Brewington Carr of the Department of Human Resources attended as an expert witness; she is identified in the record as director of the Office of Women's Advancement and Advocacy.

There was no committee questioning and no public comment either in person or virtually. Committee leadership moved to a roll-call vote to release the bill from committee. The clerk announced the motion carried and said the bill will be posted on the legislative website and, if enough signatures are collected, announced on the House floor.

The committee recorded the motion and roll-call process in the record; the clerk announced the required number of votes had been received and the motion carried. The committee did not take amendments or additional direction in this hearing. HB 254 will proceed to be reported out of committee and, if signatures are collected, be scheduled for floor action.