Committee approves bill to limit use of DEI in accreditations for state institutions

Representative Kevin West told committee members that House Bill 31‑32 seeks to address accreditation practices that incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The bill requires institutions to report if accreditors use DEI in a way the state does not wish to adopt and directs institutions to look for accreditors that meet the state’s specified standards, with reporting to the Speaker of the House and president pro tempore of the Senate.

Members questioned operational impacts, including whether programs that rely on industry‑standard accreditors could lose competitiveness, whether institutions would need new staff to comply, and the bill’s July 1, 2027 reference. West said the bill includes carve‑outs, transition reporting and coordination through the regents to limit duplication and preserve recognized degree pathways.

After questions the committee voted to advance the bill, which the chair announced passed by a recorded vote of 6 ayes and 3 nays.