North Carolina Rep. Lowery’s bill to end government DEI initiatives passes House and Senate

Passed bill sponsored by State Rep. Jarrod Lowery seeks to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in North Carolina state and local government by banning related programs and funding, according to the North Carolina State House.

In the House, 69 Republicans voted in favor of the bill, while 45 Democrats opposed it.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, 26 Republicans voted in favor of the bill, while 20 Democrats voted against it.

Lowery filed the bill in the North Carolina House on Feb. 21 during the 2025 regular session.

The legislation, known as HB 171, was passed on June 25 during the 2025 regular session.

According to the North Carolina General Assembly site, the bill’s official text was formally listed with the short title: “Equality in State Agencies/Prohibition on DEI.”

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill seeks to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in state and local government in North Carolina. It prohibits any state agency from promoting, supporting, funding, or maintaining DEI programs, policies, or initiatives, including those involved in government hiring practices, maintaining DEI staff, or requiring DEI training. It also bans the use of state funds for DEI-related activities and disallows the acceptance of federal funds tied to DEI compliance. Violations of these provisions can lead to removal from office or employment and are classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Individuals may bring civil actions for damages or to seek injunctive relief related to violations of this bill, and the state auditor is tasked with conducting compliance audits. The bill takes effect upon becoming law, with its penalty provisions applying to acts or omissions from that date onward.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Brenden H. Jones (Republican-46th District), Rep. Neal Jackson (Republican-78th District), and Rep. Jarrod Lowery (Republican-47th District), along with one other sponsor.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Lowery graduated from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 2012 with a BS.

Lowery, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 47th House district, replacing previous state representative Charles Graham.

Under North Carolina law, bills must receive three readings in each chamber. According to the UNC School of Government, once a bill “passes its constitutionally required second reading and moves to its constitutionally required third reading,” additional debate can occur, but the final stage is often treated as a formality. Unless a legislator requests a roll-call, the third reading may be approved by voice vote or unanimous consent without a separate recorded tally.