holding state contracts with DEI provisions to be void as a matter of law and establishing a right of action for citizens where public entities or state agencies engage with contracts with DEI provisions.

HB 1788 prohibits state agencies and public schools from entering contracts with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements, such as mandating DEI programs, training, or reporting. It defines DEI as initiatives classifying individuals by certain characteristics to achieve demographic outcomes (excluding health services, ADA compliance, and student organizations), making any contract violating this automatically void. Taxpayers could then sue public entities for entering such contracts, seeking court orders to cancel the contracts and recover legal fees. The bill applies to all state contracts and public school agreements, directly affecting government entities and their contractors.