Missouri legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Missouri HB1998: Prohibits educational institutions from using state funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion purposes
Status: In committee, January 22, 2026
What the bill says
To amend chapters 160 and 173, RSMo, by adding thereto two new sections relating to state funding of educational institutions. Section A. Chapters 160 and 173, RSMo, are amended by adding thereto two new sections, to be known as sections 160.2560 and 173.2560, to read as follows: 160.2560. 1. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Defunding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Elementary and Secondary Education Act". 2. As used in this section, the following terms (2) "Diversity, equity, and inclusion" or "DEI", any educational program, course, initiative, or curriculum designed t.
From the introduced text:
To amend chapters 160 and 173, RSMo, by adding thereto two new sections relating to state funding of educational institutions. Section A. Chapters 160 and 173, RSMo, are amended by adding thereto two new sections, to be known as sections 160.2560 and 173.2560, to read as follows: 160.2560. 1. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Defunding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Elementary and Secondary Education Act". 2. As used in this section, the following terms (2) "Diversity, equity, and inclusion" or "DEI", any educational program, course, initiative, or curriculum designed to promote, teach, or enforce principles related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. DEI includes, but is not limited to, training, workshops, curriculum materials, student groups, and any other program or event related to such subjects; (3) "Educational institution", each public school and school district in this state; (4) "State funding", any financial support, grants, or allocations provided by the state of Missouri to an educational institution, including federal funds passed through the state. 3. (1) No educational institution shall use state funding for the implementation, teaching, or support of DEI programs or initiatives. EXPLANATION -- Matter enclosed in bold-faced brackets [thus] in the above bill is not enacted and is intended to be omitted from the law. Matter in bold-face type in the above bill …