The measure now awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis’s decision.
Overview
- The House approved SB 1134 on a largely party-line 77-37 vote after taking up the Senate-passed text, sending the bill to the governor.
- SB 1134 bars counties and cities from funding, promoting, or taking official actions related to DEI and defines DEI as efforts to influence workforce composition by demographic traits.
- The bill prohibits preferential treatment, special benefits, and diversity training, and it blocks local governments from employing dedicated DEI officers.
- Enforcement provisions create a private right of action for residents and label violations by local officials as misfeasance or malfeasance, exposing them to potential removal and legal damages.
- Carveouts preserve recognition of holidays and memorials, allow content-neutral event permits and public safety services, and include protection for Orlando’s Pulse memorial, as supporters tout merit-based hiring and opponents warn of vague limits and promise court challenges.
