House Bill 5097: Ban "Critical Race Theory" curriculum in public schools: Passed 55 to 0 in the House

To prohibit public schools from teaching 'critical race theory." Specifically, the bill prohibits instructing children that because of their race or gender individuals comprising a racial or ethnic group or gender all act in certain ways, hold certain opinions, are born racist or sexist, bear collective guilt for historical wrongs, or regard race or gender as a better predictor of outcome than character, work ethic, or skills. Also, to ban teaching that the cultural norms or practices of a racial or ethnic group or gender are flawed and must be eliminated or changed to conform; that racism (or sexism) is inherent in individuals from a particular race or ethnic group (or gender); that a racial or ethnic group or gender is in need of deconstruction, elimination, or criticism; or that the actions of some individuals serve as an indictment against their race or gender. Democrats abstained from voting on the bill.

House Bill 4920: Require legislator harassment disclosures: Passed 103 to 0 in the House

To establish that if the Senate or House of Representatives enters a legal settlement of a sexual assault or sexual harassment complaint against a legislator, the settlement amount and the lawmakers’ name must be made public. House Bill 5281 applies this to elected officials in the executive branch.

House Bill 4939: Exclude new car rebates from sales tax: Passed 83 to 20 in the House

To deduct manufacturer rebates from the purchase price of a new car, boat or RV for purposes of calculating sales tax. The bill would require forgone school aid revenue generated by the narrow tax break to be taken from other state taxes and fees.

House Bill 4778: Ban state use of deletable message apps that violate open records law: Passed 35 to 0 in the Senate

To prohibit state agencies from using any app, software, or other electronic device technology that allows messages to be deleted, and would thereby violate their duty to maintain a public record as required by the state Freedom of Information Act and other laws.

House Bill 4501: Refund employer fines levied under unconstitutional “unlimited” emergency law: Passed 19 to 16 in the Senate

To require state regulators to refund civil penalties they imposed on employers for violating emergency orders issued under a 1945 emergency powers law that has been ruled unconstitutional because it let a governor declare a state of emergency and govern unilaterally with no time limit.

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