Text of AZ HB 2135 (2026)

PREFILED JAN 06 2026 REFERENCE TITLE: liability; diversity; equity; inclusion laws State of Arizona House of Representatives Fifty-seventh Legislature Second Regular Session 2026 HB 2135 Introduced by Representative Way AN ACT amending title 12, chapter 6, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding article 20; relating to civil liability. (TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE) Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona: Section 1. Title 12, chapter 6, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding article 20, to read: ARTICLE 20. PROHIBITED DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION POLICIES START_STATUTE12-784. Prohibition on diversity, equity and inclusion policies; civil liability; statute of limitations; definitions A. A person whose rights are violated may commence a civil action against a covered entity that violates a state or federal law prohibiting a diversity, equity and inclusion policy. B. A person who prevails against a covered entity is entitled to the following relief: 1. Declaratory relief. 2. Injunctive relief. 3. Damages in the amount of at least $100,000 against the covered entity. 4. Compensatory damages. 5. Court costs and reasonable attorney fees. C. A person shall commence a civil action pursuant to this section not later than three years after the violation occurred. D. For the purposes of this section: 1. "Covered entity" means a corporation, organization, institution or agency in this state that is subject to a state or federal law prohibiting a diversity, equity and inclusion policy. 2. "Diversity, equity and inclusion policy": (a) Means a policy that is known and practiced as DEI, critical race theory or anti-racism or any of the following concepts: (i) One race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex. (ii) The United States is fundamentally racist or sexist. (iii) An individual, by virtue of the individual's race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously. (iv) An individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment solely or partly because of the individual's race or sex. (v) A member of one race or sex cannot and should not attempt to treat others without respect due to race or sex. (vi) An individual's moral character is necessarily determined by the individual's race or sex. (vii) An individual, by virtue of the individual's race or sex, bears responsibility for acts committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex. (viii) An individual should feel discomfort, guilt or anguish or any other form of psychological distress because of the individual's race or sex. (ix) Meritocracy or traits such as a hard work ethic are racist or sexist or were created by a particular race to oppress another race. (x) All individuals should be compelled to believe in, and to speak in a manner consistent with, the concept that an individual can change the individual's sex or gender. (b) Includes any other form of race or sex stereotyping or any other form of race or sex scapegoating. END_STATUTE Sec. 2. Emergency This act is an emergency measure that is necessary to preserve the public peace, health or safety and is operative immediately as provided by law.